It doesn’t take us long once we have become a Christian to see that there’s a huge obstacle blocking our progress in the walk of faith ~ ourselves.
We have been accustomed to living an ego-driven-centric life, whether aware of it or not.
From infancy onwards, the soul is naturally set in gaining satisfaction from its needs being met.
We survive and thrive because of it.
But as believers in Christ we have a whole new set of values to live by.
Surrender and submission become the hallmark of a life given over to God.
It’s all about Him. His will and ways. His purposes being fulfilled.
Though God doesn’t seek to be in relationship with unthinking robots. He won’t gatecrash our thinking either.
We play our part in gradually opening up more of ourselves to Him, and He fills and floods more areas of our lives with His healing, restoring Presence.
All is made new ~ over time, testing and trials ~ as faith and trust are stretched and perseverance and wisdom grows.
Until we realise we prefer His ways to our ways and can see the wonder of a life enlivened by His Spirit.
I’m still learning after many years on this pathway. It can take a lifetime to become more like Jesus.
But it is so worth it if His beauty can be seen in you and me and shine out to bless and encourage others.
Because we’re never more truly ourselves (as He created us to be) than when we’re revealing His glory and grace in our lives.
‘All about me’
An insistent voice making a continual plea,
calling, “What about me, what about me?”
Deceptively soft, subdued, until clawing
its way through our resistance, drowning
out all, rising clear and loud,
shouting out, now strong and proud,
it appears deafening to our ears
Life can beat to its persistent drum, it’s
surging flow and constant thrum, or we
can choose to turn the volume low,
rendering things steady and slow
by a huge effort of the will, grit of teeth,
shake of head, and a defiant refusal
to pay attention to what is said
But our best efforts are rendered vain
when its piercing cry pounds relentless
as rain, and we can no longer ignore
all that it seeks to impart and implore,
and with much pushing and pressing succeeds
in driving us forward with undue speed ~
for ego is desperate to be top of the game
How can we learn to be less, not more,
and allow Holy Spirit’s voice to soar?
How do we submit when all inside
cries to be first and to override
those gentle whispers on the wind
from our most loving, faithful Friend?
I wish I knew…..how about you?
©JoyLenton2014
Joining here with Diana and other like-minded questioning souls as we ask:“What’s with this ‘more of Jesus and less of me stuff?'” And with fellow thoughtful sisters Lyli, Mel and Jennifer
“Because we’re never more truly ourselves (as He created us to be) than when we’re revealing His glory and grace in our lives.”
Yes and amen
Your words are true and wise.
Thank you. I am grateful that God has given me this insight. It is an ongoing realisation, isn’t it? Bless you for stopping by to offer encouragement. 🙂
Joy, I agree. At heart, I am a selfish creature in need to redemption. I’m thankful for the mirror of His Word that helps me see what the eye of my heart is blind to.
Thanks for linking up at Thought-Provoking Thursday! 🙂
Oh, Lyli, such is the state of all humankind. How thankful we are for His redemption and grace! And for “the mmirror of His Word” which reveals all we were previously blind to. Honoured as always to link up with Thought-Provoking Thursdays. Blessings 🙂 x
Beautifully said, Joy. Thanks so much for linking in today – so grateful to have you with us.
Diana, I am really thankful for the opportunity to link up on your site and join in the community discussion. Bless you for sharing your heart with us. 🙂 x
Joy, your poetry is lovely! And yes, that is the question that we wrestle with every second! What about Me? Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Melissa! I’m so pleased you could relate to this. Blessings 🙂
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I love the humility of this post. God has been showing me once more that I need to be more Him-centred and stop focusing on my own self-interests. Thanks for your beautiful words of encouragement, Joy.
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Mel, I am thankful you could relate to this. It isn’t an easy way to live, is it? But it is the best way of all to live surrendered to God. It is always a pleasure and blessing to link up with you! Blessings 🙂 x