WHEN YOU FAIL, SURRENDER TO GOD
What do you do when things seem out of your control? Do you frantically try to fix things or hold tightly to something you need to let go? Sometimes I think it’s all up to me and I have to keep working until something is right. But what if there is a better way?
Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;
in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.
As counter intuitive as it sounds, when I surrender it to God I no longer feel like I have to strive. I can take a step back, pray for wisdom and wait a bit before moving ahead.
There was a time when the church we were attending began having problems. I was pianist at the time and did not understand all that was going on. My heart ached, and I was sorrowful. There was nothing I could do to fix it, but I could pray.
For the next few Sundays, I remember weeping as I drove to practice before church. I remember the comfort I received as I listened to the song “Out of My Hands” by Tony Vincent. It reminded me that the situation might be out of my hands, but not God’s.
WHEN YOU FAIL EVEN WHEN WORKING HARD
What happens when you work so hard and still feel like a failure?
I look at my house sometimes and I feel like I should be doing better. It should be cleaner. Or maybe I should plan meals better. That way I wouldn’t have to make last minute decisions and rush around.
Maybe, if we looked at the areas we think we have failed, we could find some good. If we learn anything from it, we should be happy. It might keep us from making the same mistake again.
Take exercise, for instance. It seems I am right where I was last year this time. But if I would stop and think, I would see that I have made progress. I may not have lost the weight I want to lose, but I have become stronger.
Instead of feeling sorry for myself, what if I chose to celebrate what I did learn?
What if I could see each failure as a learning process rather than a defeat? I know for a fact that when I focus on what I didn’t do, it’s depressing. But when I focus on what I do accomplish I am a more pleasant person.
Psalm 28:7 (CSB)
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart celebrates, and I give thanks to him with my song.
When I trust in God and not worry about my mistakes, I am less stressed. I am able to celebrate life and enjoy it.
This is Day 15 of Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Free Writes, and the prompt word is when.
To read the other posts in this series click on: 31 Days of Encouragement.
I’m linking up with: #TrekkingThru, #TeaAndWord
Dear Gayl,
These are such good thoughts! When I focus on myself & my failures I can easily despair. But when I look up and see how far the Lord has helped me, my whole perspective changes. I am so thankful that we can leave it all in HIS hands. I had never heard that song before–it fits so well with all of these thoughts today! May I give it all back into His hands now too. Blessings, love, and hugs to you Dear Sister!
Dear Bettie,
Thank you! Jamie is the one who discovered Tony Vincent years ago. This song is from 1995, I think. But most of his songs had such good words. It really helped me through that hard time. Yes, I’m so glad we can leave things in God’s hands and that He’s got us, too. Blessings to you, my dear sister! xoxo
It always seems my bloggy friends are all writing on just what I need to hear from God at any given time. I love it when He does that. Thank you. laurensparks.net
Lauren, I am seeing that, too. He has a way of leading us to read just what we need. Blessings to you! Thanks for visiting.
Great message. When I focus on self, I fail. When my focus is on God, and I ask for His guidance and help, I feel comfort and peace.
Thank for visiting, Melissa! Yes, the peace always comes even if the circumstances don’t change. Blessings to you!
The church is made up of broken people. But it’s still hard when there is conflict in the church.
Yes, you are right, Tara. That’s why we need to look to God and trust Him with the details. Blessings to you! xo