“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 27:3-4
So I was just reading my Bible and went to my devotional list and noticed I started one entitled “Prayers for Ferocious Warriors.” Ferocious. I continued reading. And still the violent connotation kept stirring me. I thought of John Piper’s Make War sermon, too. It is indeed a war against our own flesh. Isn’t that the root of all violence? Anger, bitterness, jealousy, pride. One person trying to have power over another. When you think of war it is utter turmoil right before your eyes. There is evidence of the energy expenditure and a change occurs. Dominance, a winner? But what fight do I have with myself so as not to be stagnant or impeded in stepping forward into changes that I must make? I should be attacking those things in my life with the same ferocity as I would if I was facing an external threat to my life or the lives of my loved ones. I certainly would not back down or cower. I would muster everything in my being to protect them. Those who have my heart and are dear to me would not be left to stand alone in the face of wrong doing. I am sure all of us can relate to that feeling.
But on the other hand, it seems we let so much time pass by before we deal with “things” that are root cause of preventing our emotional freedom. Do you have something holding you back? Is there an unsettled situation in your life that needs to be addressed? I say be ferocious and get rid of that thing once and for all. You are not and will not be standing alone God is right there with you. Let me expound on this thought.
I went to visit my favorite gardens for a work initiative. While I tended to my business I noticed the dry beds that were waiting to be planted. And others that had been mowed down in places clearing the way for the wanted gems to be seen. Daffodils clustered here and there, purple Violas with yellow details etched within the heart of their petals and Peonies stretching up with a crown of leaves at the top. Still other beds had tall stalks from last year’s towering Cleome blooms needing to be removed. I know the outcome. I have seen it during glorious show time. I thought to someone who may be looking on for the first time they may pass by amiss to what is there. To me I know the work that goes into extracting the weeds to preserve and cultivate the life of what is beautiful and good there. This is not a place that is motionless. Nor are we. But when I viewed it now you would definitely not see it as I do. I have intimate knowledge of what it will soon be. It is the very same with the Lord. He knows our outcome. We need to put our trust in Him. So my prayer today is let me see myself the way you see me Lord. When I am praying fervently lead me to conquer myself with that same protective spirit that I would have for others. In all my needed changes you, Lord, are my safest position. Daffodils are just the beginning….
Just two girls in the woods for One, with a ferocious prayer.