Nothing keeps me on the edge and growing more than desperation. If my life had no tension, I would no doubt become restless and lazy, sucked into a life of self-indulgence. But indulgence always leads to emptiness. We were made for something more. For Someone more.
Living “for Christ’s sake,” as the Apostle Paul puts it, requires us to jump into the fray. There we realize an ongoing battle rages within us between the Holy Spirit and our sinful nature. It can be agonizing, especially when we keep seeing the same weaknesses. But each time depression, or insecurity, or pride surfaces, we can meet it head-on. Once again we discover we can’t do life on our own. We were never meant to.
Helplessness drives us to prayer. It humbles us. It carries us from wanting to “be like God” to wanting to “be with God.” Ultimately it opens the door to the Holy Spirit’s power.
I imagine some of you feel battle-worn. You think you’ll never overcome the difficulties in your life. But you can learn, as did Paul, to delight in the very weaknesses that thrust you into God’s mercy. He discovered that every hardship served the higher purpose of finding strength in God. So can we.
There is nothing coming against you — or rising within you — that God can’t use for good. It’s a promise He gives to all those who love Him. So don’t balk at being desperate. Say goodbye to your control…. Let your helplessness become dependence on God.
Dear Lord, please help me embrace greater dependence on you. I don’t want to do life on my own any more. I want you to lead me in every area. Empty me of self and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go Deeper — Write down the things that are causing stress in your life right now. Then offer them to God, admitting you are helpless without leaning on His strength.
Read how to Pray Through Worry.
Photo Credit: Steven Van Loy