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Don't Be a Mule


"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 

 

New year. New perspectives, right? Many of us spend time in self-reflection and muster determination to do things differently in the new year. A fresh start.

 Full disclosure. I began this year in penitence because I have worn the heavy cloak of conviction for several weeks. During the mundane task of taking the pup out for his morning stroll, the Lord dropped a question in my spirit. "Do you believe I am God?" Obviously, I responded readily with prayers of affirmation and praise for Him as the God of my salvation! Then, this. "So why aren't you living as though you believe?" Ouch!

"I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless." Genesis 17:1

Have you ever thought about who God truly is? Do we know who it is we worship? Do we imagine an invisible, mystical being with a booming voice floating around in the Heavenlies making grand entrances just in time to save the day, or maybe we have a muscled-up, temperamental, rogue image drummed up by Greek mythology, or even an animated version of a majestic lion or sea creature with a trident? Regardless of the imagery we conjure up, in Exodus 3, God told Moses to tell the Israelites, "I AM has sent me to you." In the past few weeks, I have felt God nudging at my heart to know who He really is--He is I AM! 

A beautiful Psalm brought everything full circle for me this morning. All the pieces clicking together to bring understanding and perspective, but in the most gentle, loving way. Truthfully, I have been an obstinate child. I have been doing all the obligatory, good Christian things I am supposed to do. I read my Bible, pray, attend service on Sunday, listen to Christian music, wear my Christian tees, and boast of God's goodness. However, when my acts of worship become a struggle, an obligation, or just something I should do, all my ritual efforts become meaningless and basically lip service. Honestly, until today, I did not even realize this was the place I had come to in my journey until Jesus shined the light through this verse. 

"Do not be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you."

Psalms 32:9

 Can I tell you how that just broke my heart? I feel my Father’s plea in my heart and the longing is so familiar. Many times, I have actually thought if this person could just see my heart, if they would just get to know me even a little bit, if they would listen to what I'm trying to convey to them, then...they would love me, or like me, or trust me, or understand me, or want to know me more. Can't you just hear Jesus saying that to you?

"Do not humor or patronize Me. Do I not know the very intentions of the heart? Forsake obligation, legalism, and religion. Come visit with me so I can show you my heart. Commune with me so you can know my ways. Search my word so I can teach you and guide you into all truth. Do these things because I AM a necessity, I AM vital, I AM life to you. Do these things because you love Me, too." No one wants an obligatory relationship not even Jesus.

Since we are talking about mules, I looked up the word stubborn and the last definition listed was "difficult to shape." To be truthful, I have been foolishly playing one of those dating games with God. You do not want to seem too needy or too eager so you in fact sabotage yourself by being too independent and too aloof.  That game does not work with the One who created you. He has inside knowledge, after all. My sincere prayer has always been for God to mold me and make me into who He created me to be. I do not ever want my pride or stubbornness to keep me from moving forward and accomplishing all I was created to do. Thankfully, God does know my heart and my fear of vulnerability, so He gently woos me back to where my heart always longs to be. The God of all Creation wants a true, honest relationship with me, and He desires one with you. Isn't that humbling? In whatever state or condition we find ourselves in, we can rejoice in knowing His mercies are new every morning and His love for us never fades. Praise Jesus!

Did you know the number 19 represents faith? In 2019, my resolution is to live the most faith-filled year ever! No longer will I be the mule who is pulled begrudgingly to the throne, but I will eagerly run boldly into His presence daily. I will continue to learn of God while walking in constant communion with Him, and I will once again live with the heart of worship and true adoration for the Living God. He is everything we are searching for, everything we need. He is I AM!

"For in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being] ..." Acts 17:28

 

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  1. UnknownJanuary 9, 2019 at 3:48 PM

    This is a true and wonderful message. So much to think about!

    ReplyDelete

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