Saturday, August 10, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Just Let it Go

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Last week, I burned myself pretty bad with my straightening iron. I have burned myself before with this crazy hair accessory, but this time, the reason was so mindless. I accidentally knocked it over while brushing my teeth and instead of letting it fall to the ground, I attempted to CATCH it! As soon as it fell in my hand, I released it even harder to the ground than if it had just fallen on its own.

Immediately, the thought came to my mind, "How many times do we attempt to save things in our lives that are just bringing us greater harm."

I am always inspired when I read the cry of David's heart to God in Psalms 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."

David recognized that there could be things in his life that were bringing him down. Instead of trying to save these things himself, he asked God to search His heart and to reveal the truth to him.

Today's verse instructs us to "submit" ourselves to God. By submitting to Him, we purpose to put our lives in alignment with His Word and to give HIM complete control. In doing so, today's verse also says that the devil will flee from us.

Do you ever feel like you are dealing with the same struggles again and again and you just can't get the enemy off of your back? The Word says that Satan comes to "steal, kill and destroy." However, we are promised that when we SUBMIT ourselves to God, we can have power over the tactics of the enemy...over temptation...over addiction...over sin.

I challenge you to do as David did. Ask God to show you what is in the depths of your heart and invite Him to point out anything that may offend Him. Then, SUBMIT to Him wholeheartedly. Too often we try to justify and save bad relationships, habits, mindsets and more in our lives when we know these things are destructive. Let go, and give Him the control. He KNOWS what is best for you and me, and His ways lead to "everlasting life."

Dear Lord, Show me my heart. Also, reveal any areas in my life that bring offense to You or areas where I have not completely submitted to You. I want to walk in EVERYTHING You have for me.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.