Read
“I concentrate on doing exactly what you say – I always have and always will.” Psalm 119:112, The Message
Reflect
As the mama of a toddler, the word “obedience” is frequently used in our home. Right up there with “no,” “do you have to go potty,” and “please don’t eat that.” As our daughter turns three my husband and I have had several conversations about what we expect from her. Do we want first time obedience? How high do we set the expectation? What benefits do we see from teaching – at an age appropriate level – obedience to authority?
The other day I realized that my little girl? She does a great job obeying us … when she hears us, pays attention, and knows exactly what we’re asking. The moments that are hard and she disobeys? It’s not (usually) because she’s purposefully doing something she knows we don’t want her to do. It’s because we haven’t explained it to her well, or she was distracted when we were asking her to do it, or she’s tired/hungry/needing a change of scenery.
How often do I miss moments of obedience to God because I’m distracted? My heart knows that I want to do exactly what God says to me, just like the Psalmist wrote. But in the middle of checklists and to-do lists, grocery lists and housekeeping, work and play and cooking and checking email and….my mind struggles to hear the instruction, to understand the request. It’s not purposeful disobedience – it’s distraction.
So as I’m learning to stop, turn my kiddo’s face to mine, and have her repeat the request to make sure she understands and has heard me, I’m learning to stop, turn my face to Jesus, and pray for wisdom and clarity so I, too, can understand. Obedience to God is the desire of my heart – and I’m grateful for grace on the days where I’m clearly a work in progress.
Respond
Father, today we pray that our hearts would desire wild obedience to You, to the work you’ve called us to in the Kingdom. We ask for wisdom and clarity as you set the path before us, and pray that our hearts and minds would concentrate on doing exactly what you say – always.
The new Words Matter Letterpress Blocks from (in)courage are the perfect reminder of that one special word God has put on your heart for the year! They also make great wedding, baby shower, Christmas and birthday gifts because they’re completely customizable! Be sure to head over to the super fun Letterpress Blocks site to play and build your own word – then come back and tell me which one you would buy 🙂
Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
~Matthew 18:3
Joyful are those you discipline, LORD, those you teach with your instructions.
~Psalm 94:12
It’s funny to me that even though we get older, we still are like little children when it comes to our relationship with God. This post made me think of these two verses. He is such great dad though. His patience is unending and His lessons are wonderful. I loved your post Crystal! Thanks for that much needed reminder!
~Lovelle from DaySpring