Depth

How many times do we settle for what we see on the surface? Too many times, we make our assumptions,  process our judgments and ultimately base our reactions toward something or someone without consideration of what lies deeper in the very soul of what we see. We live in a hurry up society, and seldom allow time to look a little closer.  We are content to have surface relationships not only with acquaintances but also family and friends and God himself.  We don't want our weaknesses or prejudices to be exposed, therefore we, in turn, don't dig too deep into the hearts and minds of others as that might put their views in a vulnerable position as well. 

It hit me this morning as I was reading Oswald Chambers, when on the very first line he states that our will agrees with God. 

I thought how can that be when I continually seem to get off track? Reading further the response was that when I am off track it is because I am not digging deep enough.  Flesh lies on the surface, true will lies deep within.  When we render our reigns to flesh, we are powerless to do what we are called to do in His will, which resides within us. Chambers said that when God initially comes into contact with our conscience, he immediately awakens our will.  This would be what many of us refer to as a wake up call. The source of our will is Almighty God, and the one main element that causes us discord is stubbornness,  our own stubbornness to adhere to what God calls us to do,  says Chambers.  He calls stubbornness an unintelligent barrier, refusing enlightenment, and blocking the flow of the will of God.  He says the only way to handle this barrier of stubbornness is to blow it up with dynamite.  That dynamite is obedience to the Holy Spirit.  

Now this read has awakened my quest to dig deep when I have found myself to be off track. I can be off track in relationships, in habits, in opinions, in desires, in attitude, in trust, in faithfulness, etc.   But if I take the time to dig a little deeper, think a little harder, wait a little longer and not be so anxious to respond, reply or react based on my own limited observation, rather  consider God's will, surely things would go better. If I submit to a deepened understanding of my God whose spirit dwells within me, then I, with focused attention on Christ, will activate His will through my own life. I just have to get past the surface

and rest my faith in the depths of soul where Christ has placed his very spirit.  

It is easy to stay on the surface. No binding bonds, limited risks, or tactics that would make us vulnerable. Oh but that is not where the true essence of life lies. Life at its best is lived when we are walking in the Spirit, and have allowed our consciences to be awakened by God's renewed vitality.  It is when our will meets His will in the depths of our soul that we find the true meaning of living life in faithfulness and trust.

I love the word dynamite....it is explosive.  And when Chambers used this word, it truly identifies what it is that we have to do to get through the barrier of our own stubbornness.  I am not too thrilled to admit my stubbornness but after I have read how it is the barrier that is blocking the way to a deepened understanding of where God's will lies, I know I need to ignite the dynamite.  If I want my will to naturally line up with God's will, I have to be willing to not only expose my stubbornness but blow it up. And as I am writing this, I think of blowing up the image of a picture to a bigger size. If my stubbornness is blown up then it no longer is something I can hide behind. And when it is in full view, as it is now, it leaves me with a choice, do I want to get rid of it as it is blocking my way or leave it in tact and miss the opportunities that are on the other side of it? 

It is in the depths of our souls that we will find God's will, packed with the peace, joy and confidence that we need to carry on in faithfulness and trust.  

Philippians 2:12-13

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Chambers says that, " With focused attention, and great care, you have to "work out" what God "works in" you - not work to accomplish or earn "your own salvation" but work it out so that you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord. As you do this you will not bring an opposing will up against God's will- God's will is your will."

Dear Lord, Stubbornness, simply put, is a giant barrier in my life. Help me to blow it up and make way for access to your will that resides within me, so that my will can naturally become the same as yours.  Amen                          

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!