Our church has been looking at paradoxes this month and I think that sitting not striving is so hard to do. The reason for this is that when we want something in the natural world we don’t just sit waiting for it to happen but we strive to get it! I don’t know about you but that way leaves me exhausted both emotionally and physically and generally gets me nowhere. However, there is a better way!
God says in Isaiah that “those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles”. When I am waiting for something, I am generally just sitting, unless I am becoming anxious. We all need to learn the art of sitting. Sitting does not mean relaxing and watching television or playing solitaire. This posture involves the mind as well. Sitting means in the presence of God, totally focussed on Who He is and not on what He can do. I believe that as we start to sit in this posture that things will start to happen in our lives, with no striving at all.
I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha. Mary had chosen to sit whereas Martha had chosen to serve. There is nothing wrong with either of what they were doing, but it was all to do with their hearts and their attitudes. You see sitting is an attitude and a heart of I am trusting in God, whereas striving is an attitude and a heart of I am going to do this on my own and my way. Martha was frustrated at Mary for not helping, but Jesus rebuked her for her attitude not for her choice. Next time we see Martha is when Lazarus died and her attitude had been changed. Although she didn’t understand, she was teachable.
This week, sit in the presence of God, not requesting for specifics, but sitting and waiting and enjoying the presence of God. If you have been striving in a certain area eg job promotion, getting your spouse or kids saved, striving to become more like Jesus, just stop and sit. Ask God for His wisdom, to speak to you through your Bible readings and through a trusted friend. Just wait patiently for His answer. Then once you have your answer, do whatever it is He tells you. There is also a difference between striving and moving. Striving is thinking you are getting somewhere and you are going nowhere and moving means taking steps.
This week – learn to sit not strive and see the awesome power of God begin to work in your life!! Have a amazing week and remember Jesus loves you and is there for you always.
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