Our two dogs are sisters, and have experienced the same circumstances all of their lives. Because we love them, we make an annual trip to the veterinarian for their checkup and shots. Our trips to the veterinarian’s office are almost comical. One sister, wags her tail, sticks her head out the back window, inhales the new smells and enjoys the experience with complete abandon. The other sister, whines, whimpers, and throws her head back to howl, as if in great pain while quivering in the back seat. Our motivation for giving them this experience is love. Yet one sister, does not seem to believe this is love, but some annual form of torture. We do not love this dog any less or feel compelled to punish her because of her response to the event. There is great sadness for her anxiety and distress over an event that stems from love. We tell her with calming words that her stress is unnecessary. Even though she cannot understand, it does not change our love or the circumstances. Both dogs surrender, because our love will not allow them to avoid the experience. One dog does so willingly, responding with an attitude of trust and joy to be with her master. The other does not, reacting with fear, trembling and anxiety because she is outside her comfort zone. The circumstance is exactly the same, but the difference between a response of belief and a reaction of fear provides a distinct contrast.
Our understanding of God’s purpose is not always perfectly clear. He is God; we are not. Reacting to circumstances will keep us in a perpetual cycle of anxiety and fear. Responding to God, our loving Master, provides hope, joy, peace, and purpose even in difficult circumstances.
God’s purpose for our lives is built on His love for us. His character defines all He is and love rules all He does.
Do we surrender to His love willingly with belief in His word and faithfulness? Or do we surrender in exhaustion from anxiety and fear that has defeated us?
God leads us to respond to Him, as we trust His ways above our own.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Our God, sovereign and above all, shows us His glory and magnificence throughout all time and creation. We are privileged to surrender to the love of the Almighty.
From the beginning, creation glorifies God.
Psalm 19:1
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
As God’s creation, we also praise the work of His hands.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Eating and drinking are the basic necessities of life. In whatever we do, from simple and basic to advanced and elevated, we do all with praise to God, acknowledging His glory above whatever we are or do.
God’s glory is most magnified through Jesus’ life on earth.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Give praise to Jesus who surrendered all as an example for us. Praise God for exalting Jesus to the place of honor above all others. Praise God that He is worthy of all praise and glory.