Instead of Trying Harder On My Own Effort, I Need to Learn To Trust Him More

In summary of Psalm 37:7 it says,

“Wait and trust the Lord.  Don’t be upset when others get rich or when someone else’s plans succeed.”

Bottom Line:

Wait and trust in God in prayer.  Don’t bother yourself with those who climb the ladder, who may be elbowing their way to the top.”

What this means to me:

I am not to worry about those around me who seem to be getting at head or climbing the ladder in either legitimate or illegitimate means.  In this passage I’m reminded that instead I should just surrender myself and then wait on / trust in God.  So surrendering my life means to:

• Following God’s lead without knowing where he’s sending me.
• Waiting for God’s timing without knowing when it will come.
• Expecting a miracle without knowing how God will provide.
• Trusting God’s purpose without understanding the circumstances.

I’ll know that I’m fully surrendered to God when I rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, or force my agenda, or control the situation.  I can simply let go and let God work.  I don’t have to always be "in charge."  So Instead of trying harder, I’m trusting more.  In addition, I know that I’m fully surrendered when I don’t react to criticism and rush to defend myself.  A surrendered heart for me will show up best in the context of my relationships. I’ll not be self-serving, I won’t try  edge others out, and I won’t demand my rights.  For an example, I can look to the example of Jesus. The night before his crucifixion, Jesus surrendered himself to God’s plan. He prayed, "Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.”  Jesus didn’t pray, "God, if you’re able to take away this pain, please do so." He began by affirming that God can do anything! He prayed, "God, if it is in your best interest to remove this suffering, please do so. But if it fulfills your purpose, that’s what I want, too."  Genuine surrender for me will be when I can say “Father, if this problem, pain, sickness, or circumstance is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life or in another’s life, please don’t take it away!"  This level of spiritual maturity won’t always come easily. In Jesus’ case, he agonized so much over God’s plan that he sweated drops of blood. Surrender is hard work. In my case, it will require an intense warfare against my self-centered nature.  Today I will evaluate where my treasure / heart.  I’ll review if my attitude toward my treasures/heart reflect a heart surrendered to Christ/