Come Away From Her!

I love seeing God working things together for His glory. It’s amazing to consider how it’s even possible. The Holy Spirit has been leading me beyond self, however spiritual it may appear. He leads me beyond falseness – a new way to live. Truly live.

C.S. Lewis puts it this way; “… if you really get into any kind of touch with (God) you will, in fact, be humble – delightedly humble, feeling the infinite relief of having for once got rid of all the silly nonsense about your own dignity which has made you restless and unhappy all your life. … To get even near it, even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert.” [1]

As I seek to know God more, I notice I’m pulled out of  my comfortable rut into … faith. As I consider putting away my trust in finances and abilities, I suddenly feel like a child – knowing nothing, completely dependent. Dreams, plans, even identity and purpose can be easily defined by finances and abilities; the worlds says so. Without these things, what do I have?  Where to I place my trust? 

Larry Crabb writes[2] “The Old Way is all about me. It’s all about my emotional health, my spiritual maturity, my soul’s satisfaction, my circumstantial happiness, my meaningful ministry, my business or family success. It teaches me to be savvy, to know how to navigate through life so things work pretty well. The savvy required to be effective replaces the wisdom needed to honor God.”

He continues, “If we raise our chid this way, that will never happen. If it does, we’ll determine what went wrong and fix it. Drawing near to God is reinterpreted to mean little more than a frantic drive to the emergency room to relieve kidney stone pain. “Thank you, Doctor,” we say, and we leave without ever knowing the physician who helped us. But we do feel better.”

Everywhere I turn it seems the Holy Spirit is telling me, “Come away from her”.[3] Come away from relying on my abilities, finances, logic, plans, desires, instinct. Come away from self-satisfaction, selfish ambition, self-made plans. Come away from self.

“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” 1 John 5:21 

“Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.” according to C.S. Lewis.
When I seek me, I can’t seek God.

 Helpful Verses: 

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’”
Matthew 22:37

“In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.The fear of the Lord will be your treasure.”
Isaiah 33:6


"Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her."
Revelation 18:4

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Matthew 6:21


Lord, thank you for continuing to teach and guide me. Please change my heart to one that seeks you first, that trusts you only. Forgive me for trusting in myself and this world. It’s all fading away, but you are the same forever. Help me cling to you Jesus. Cause my roots to grow deep into you and your truth, so I’ll never be shaken, so I won’t be deceived. Thank you Jesus, for being enough. I don’t need to be or do or achieve to be ‘okay’. You’ve already done it. Help me to rest in knowing you. Amen.


[1] Mere Chrisianity, CS Lewis. p. 112
[2] The Pressure’s Off – There’s a New Way To Live, Larry Crabb, p. 66
[3] Revelation 18:4, NLT Bible


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3 comments:

MTJ said...

Hi FMS,

This was an insightful and heartfelt post. It reminds me of the little foxes that spoil the vine. Throughout biblical history, things have always managed to get between believers and God.

Jesus said, "Where your treasure is...", that's where my heart will be. It's a constant battle for me to walk by faith and not by sight.

Blessings.

MTJ

Unknown said...

Beautiful writing and awesome thoughts on self. More of God and less of me! Amen!

vonimoller said...

God often says to me "stop relying on yourself and come away from that negativity" i always try 2 help people is crisis and i struggle to let people go; and so sometimes there is unnecessary drama (in Afrikaans they say ek krap waar dit nie pla nie) i tend to think O I KNOW BETTER and God says "WHAT! I will show you" lol ok not really exactly that forceful... but Ja i dont know better. Had some bad stuff happen on Monday and heard God say "I AM here talk to me" and usually i would still be depressive and in zombie mode but after my chat with J-Man i felt so much peace and had a productive day!!!!
My point: COME AWAY from the negativity that can draw you in and rely on God for understanding and clarity, NOT yourself!