Casting Crowns portrays a wonderful picture of how leaders need to be. We must rely on God, free from worry and fear (except to fear Him). Joshua 24:15 tells us this: "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (NIV) Joshua knew where his strength came from: from the Lord above! He is the One we are to serve. In doing so, He will lead us and guide us. Psalm 23 tells us so!
The introductory Scripture that Maxwell presents is from Leviticus Chapter 26, verses 3, 4, and 12: "'If you follow My decrees and are careful to obey My commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit...I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people." (NIV) God set forth His law to His people, and even told them the rewards He offered! Why did the Israelites ignore Him so much??
Maxwell notes the following: "Many of our problems arise from ignoring God's Word when we don't think His instructions make sense." That is probably what went through the minds of His people at the time described above. Take the story of the Israelites and Jericho for example. They didn't want to listen to God because they didn't think that following His simple instructions would make the city walls fall down. They faced many setbacks because they failed to realize that, "God always knows what is best--for us and for our relationship with Him." (Maxwell)
We must all remember that God created us. "O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar." David makes this confession in Psalm 139:1-2 (NIV). God knows us, even what is on the inside. He really does know what is best for us. Many times we do not feel like our parents are guiding us right because we disagree with them at various times. However, God uses our parents to guide us. Even further than that, He is our Father! He really knows what is best for us!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) We are human. Therefore, we have limitations that God goes way beyond. We must never forget to Whom we belong and that He loves us and wants the best for us! "Be strong and courageous...The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:6a, 8, NIV)
The reflection question tonight asks: "What rules in your life do you struggle with at times?"
I think that one of the areas where this applies to me the most is worry. Worries overtake many of us and can be very overwhelming. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (See Matthew 6:25-27.) He goes further to say: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (See Matthew 6:33-34.) We must remember to keep our focus on God, let Him be God, and let everything else fall into place at His direction. He is in control!
What rules do you struggle with? Ask God to help you in those areas and then follow through with His direction, using Proverbs 3:5-6 as a guideline. He knows what you're going through. You're not alone!
God bless you!
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