August 27, 2007
A Fresh Perspective
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”
Psalm 37:5 (NLT)
Devotion:
One of the best ways to bring me down is to point out my inadequacies. Lately these inadequate feelings have come in the areas of motherhood and writing.
Are you one of those mothers guilty of believing it would get easier when all of your precious babies were out of diapers ... could tie their own shoes ... could dress themselves ... work or play independently ... drive a car? Admittedly, I am. What was I thinking? Parenting today is harder than ever, and it seems to get more complicated with every passing year. Lately, I have found myself with more questions than answers. I have been feeling defeated and inadequate as a mother.
Writing has also left me feeling like I just don’t measure up. I have spent four years writing devotions and messages in hopes to inspire and encourage others. So why then, as I try desperately to expand my borders and take a message to a greater level to write a book, is it like I’ve never written a single sentence? I have the ideas. The message is in my heart. I’ve prayed it, lived it, and I have a desire to write. But I lack motivation and confidence. Where are the words I need to put on the paper? I need help because I feel extremely inadequate.
I am in the middle of a great book right now called What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst. In the Bible study section of chapter six, she points out two familiar verses. Even though these verses are not new to me, today they have taken root in my heart in a new way. Both of these are listed as today’s key verses. Let’s take a moment to examine them.
The first verse is Psalm 37:5: “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” I have to ask myself, Have I committed it all to the Lord---I mean everything? Do I wake each day saying, “Lord, these kids are yours, this book is yours—may Your will be done in them all?” This verse tells me that I must. It’s not an option if I want His help…and I do! And when I commit it to Him and trust Him, His Word says He will help me. Now where is the inadequacy in that? (I’m smiling as I write because in God there is no inadequacy.) The inadequacy in me disappears when I claim this verse. The Lord’s help is mine to be had. I just have to commit and trust.
The next verse is Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed.” Again there are not options here for success. Committing my plans to the Lord is a must. When I do, then I experience true success, not feelings of inadequacy.
Once again, God’s Word has given me a fresh perspective in life when my circumstances seemed bleak. We are never guaranteed an easy life, safe travel, problem-free day, perfect kids, or a published book. However, we are guaranteed help from God and success His way when we commit every detail of our lives to Him.
No matter what you are facing today, claim today’s key verses. Let go of any inadequate feelings and turn those areas over to the only One who can truly help you. Trust the Lord with everything.
Dear Lord, Today I commit ________________ to You. Help me to trust You with the details of my everyday life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
God’s Purpose for Every Woman: a P31 Women’s Devotional Editors Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen
Application Steps:
In your journal, write down two things you are feeling inadequate about. Copy today’s verses and claim them over these areas in your life.
Reflections:
Is there anything in your life that you are struggling with?
Have you committed everything you do to the Lord?
Power Verses:
Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G,
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org