There are two eternal sources of biblical hope - the person of Christ and the Word of God. I like to think of it in the logo for the Hope in Crisis (R) ministry, which is an empty cross, with an open Bible superimposed upon it. The empty cross represents personal SALVATION in the SAVIOR, while the open Bible represents STABILITY in the SCRIPTURES.
When I have established my confidence in this kind of hope in God, I can submit to God wholeheartedly and without any reservations. Then, and only then, am I able to "stay in neutral" and unquestionably allow my sovereign Lord to arrange every aspect of my life, and guide my steps according to His perfect plan and purpose.
I know, based on the Word of God, that life is but a few days and full of trouble (Job 14:1). James 4:14 compares it to a vapor that appears for a “little while,’’ then “vanishes away.’’ And so it is that I have a clear understanding about the brevity and the severity of this period of time we call “life.” It is interesting to note that while I often use trouble as a carte blanche excuse to allow discouragement and depression, God gives clear instruction about the manner in which I am able to reflect Him correctly with a cheerful response.
It is only the joy of the Lord that is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and a cast down countenance is completely changed by hoping in God and praising Him (Psalm 43:5).
God has every right and my permission
to re-arrange my life at any time, in any way
in order to fulfill His plan for its influence to His glory.
How often should the above "statement of submission" be employed? In nurse language, that would be PRN, or as needed. I find it necessary multiple times in any given day as I have such a tendency to try to 'take back over' the controls of my life.
I would encourage you to wholly submit your days to the perfect, all-wise, sovereign Savior.
(C) 1992, 2014 N. A. Collins
Limited copy permission given for one personal file copy
When I have established my confidence in this kind of hope in God, I can submit to God wholeheartedly and without any reservations. Then, and only then, am I able to "stay in neutral" and unquestionably allow my sovereign Lord to arrange every aspect of my life, and guide my steps according to His perfect plan and purpose.
I know, based on the Word of God, that life is but a few days and full of trouble (Job 14:1). James 4:14 compares it to a vapor that appears for a “little while,’’ then “vanishes away.’’ And so it is that I have a clear understanding about the brevity and the severity of this period of time we call “life.” It is interesting to note that while I often use trouble as a carte blanche excuse to allow discouragement and depression, God gives clear instruction about the manner in which I am able to reflect Him correctly with a cheerful response.
It is only the joy of the Lord that is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and a cast down countenance is completely changed by hoping in God and praising Him (Psalm 43:5).
God has every right and my permission
to re-arrange my life at any time, in any way
in order to fulfill His plan for its influence to His glory.
How often should the above "statement of submission" be employed? In nurse language, that would be PRN, or as needed. I find it necessary multiple times in any given day as I have such a tendency to try to 'take back over' the controls of my life.
I would encourage you to wholly submit your days to the perfect, all-wise, sovereign Savior.
(C) 1992, 2014 N. A. Collins
Limited copy permission given for one personal file copy
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