ORIGINAL DESIGN
08th Jan 2020
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s instructions and ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil, they became aware of their nakedness, tried to cover themselves, tried to hide from God and independence and self effort appeared.
Before this the picture had been very different. They were not self aware, they delighted in God’s company and were content to dwell in the paradise God had created and to care for it as instructed. Peace pervaded both the atmosphere they lived in and their own hearts, they were completely dependant upon God and totally free to “be” and to enjoy what God had provided.
I believe it is possible to return to this state of connection and dependence, to live in peace, to be encountering our Father in the everyday, to receive His wisdom and instruction about every situation - so why don’t we?
Our society, especially in the west, values independence. We are encouraged to ‘stand on our own two feet’. Asking for help is seen as weakness or inadequacy. I well remember seeking to help a grandchild get into outdoor clothes to speed up the process of getting to the park. She refused, wanted to do everything herself, her way, and a song to go with it! We watched with frustration, longing to help, but Miss Independence was going to do it herself!
Our Father has given us the Holy Spirit to be our helper, comforter, wisdom, our eyes and ears and our guide in life. However, like my independent grandchild we refuse help, perhaps not so obviously, yet with the same attitude of “I can do it.”
God wants us to be more and more dependant upon Him, to live in peace, aware of Him moment by moment, drawing off His resources at all times. So why do we resist? Do you think He wants to control you in a negative way? Do you think you can achieve more without His help?
We know this is not true and yet there seems a resistance to leaning on God’s Spirit. Proverbs 3:5-8 in The Message says, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listens to God’s voice in everything.” Result - “Your body will glow with health, and your very bones will vibrate with life!”
I want to be able to receive all God’s resources this year, to resist independent action, and to see more and more of His life flowing through me and into the world around me.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
