Tonight I went to a concert (more like a worship service). The concert was put on by young students and interns at the Thunder School in Nashville (one of whom is a special friend from Texas!). It was super neat! There was an invitation to lay down whatever desires or "gods" that we have placed before Christ in our lives. I realized there are several things that far too easily become idols in my heart. I prayed, "God, even if that never happens, even if your plan for me is something completely different, I will still trust You. I will still love You, even if those desires go unfulfilled." Sounds simple enough, but it was a tough little moment.
A sermon illustration I heard a few months back comes to mind. The pastor wanted to buy a vehicle years ago that involved many red flags. Yet, he didn't heed the warnings. (It ended having a lot of problems and caused him grief trying to keep it running.) He wanted that suburban (?) and his pride couldn't let it go. His heart was set on it--to the point that it didn't matter what he knew was right or even what the Holy Spirit was whispering in his ear.
Sometimes we want something so badly, and it could be a great, wonderful thing, but sometimes we don't seek to find out if it's a God idea in the first place. I have realized that there have been times--maybe concerning guys I liked, schools I wanted to attend, trips I hoped to go on--that I set my whole heart and soul on something, so much so that having my hopes dashed was like falling into the pit of despair. Now, these things could still be what God wants for me, but it seems that there is something premature about planning it all out and getting so far ahead of myself.....and then realizing that my heart is deeply invested. Could be backwards, perhaps? Sigh. It's like planning a huge party at your family home, inviting all your friends, buying/preparing the food----and then asking your parents, "Hey, btw, I'm having this party in an hour...that ok with you?" Let's say the answer is NO. It could have been a grand, jolly time--in honor asking for permission, for blessing, waiting for the very best and the perfect timing....for the free food your parents already had.....haha. Ok, maybe taking that a little far. Seriously, though, God is so wise. Why don't we tap into that wisdom more often and trust Him for our present and future?
We indeed have to be so careful what we set our hearts on. Lord, help me!
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