All of Him

Ps. 44:3

For not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but Your right hand and Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You delighted in them.

David is recounting the history of Israel. He had heard the stories of the wilderness walk, the difficulties and the triumphs. He realizes that nothing happened to them or for them unless it was the express will of God. God worked in, through, and for the people. He delivered them from bondage and cared for them miraculously in the wilderness. Yet with all these miracles the people sinned against God. But God still saved them from their foes. David knew that in God they had boasted continually, and they would give thanks to His name continually. And this was true for the difficulties in his life as well. He had people seeking to kill him. It seemed as if God was not stopping them since he was constantly running. But in spite of His circumstances, David took time to talk with God. He would work through his problems with God. He was able to trust in what he knew was true about God. 

Sadly, Christians often act like Israel did in sinning against God. We get so short-sighted that we see only the circumstances surrounding us. Like Israel who saw only the lack of water and neglected to ask God for water, we often see only the circumstances that surround us and forget to ask God to work in our circumstances. We forget that it is God who orchestrates our lives and fights our battles. Nothing is accomplished apart from God and His divine will and intervention. Our lives, in fact every single day, were decided before the foundation of the world. So instead of struggling, complaining, and trying to handle life in our own strength, we should rest in Him and ask Him for His grace and strength to be our stay. Not us, but Him! He wants to work in and through us!

Father,

I confess I have done so much in my own strength only to be frustrated and often angry. Help me to remember to call out to You. In that moment when flesh is strongest, turn my mind and my spirit to You. 

In Jesus name,

Amen