My beautiful Clematis!
When our ‘Formulas’ fail!
By Helen Jesze, 25th June 2021
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
Psalm 28:7 NIV
Lord, each person seems to have a patent recipe to offer, an answer for my situation. Each one is convinced that their contribution is the correct solution.
It’s true, I’ve tried many, if not all of them, and many times they have worked, but now my ‘formulas’ have failed.
There’s the formula of prayer – in various forms; there’s praise and worship, intercession, spiritual warfare; I’ve forgiven all I know, rooted out resentment, wept and humbled myself. I’ve confessed the Word, laughed the laugh of victory before I’ve seen the answer, done Jericho-marches and delighted myself in the Lord. I’ve rebuked the enemy in the Name of Jesus, believing he must flee.
I’ve trusted where I could not trace, let go and ‘let God’ – and done all I know to do.
I’m like a person standing at a crossroads, uncertain of the direction to take, or a traveller attempting to cross uncharted land.
But through the confusion and disappointment comes your command:
“Be still and know that I am God!”
Yes, Lord, you’re greater than Man’s formulas. You know the way that I take. So I’ll press in closer to you, Lord, just like the song that I heard a few weeks ago. I can see her now, that girl with her beautiful black face, and hear the tender, ringing voice echoing through the auditorium:
Christ remains, Christ remains!
Yes, you remain. You have my answer. Whatever men or women may say or recommend, your command sounds deep within me, to be still and to KNOW – not hope, not think perhaps – but to KNOW that you are God, and you will not leave me, your child. Here is an opportunity for you to show me another facet of your power, another side of your character I have not known before —
“All my springs of joy are in you.” Psalm 87:7b Amplified Bible.
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