And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:23-25.
Daily. Let him take up his cross daily. Not just a one time thing and you're set. Not just a whim of a decision and you won't struggle again to sacrifice yourself. No, it's a daily decision to realize this life is short and fleeting. That there is so much more to come! It's a daily dying to selfish desires. It's dying to (and here comes the kicker for me) stubbornness over what I want. What I had planned. What I saw as the best way.
All that is rooted in the fact that deep down I still don't trust God with my future. Which if we're being realistic isn't mine at all. Oh no. I gave that right up many years ago. A decision I have never regretted. Because it's the only place where true joy and peace abound!
Back to the point at hand, it is rooted in distrust, selfishness, and pride. I don't trust that God knows what will really make me happy or satisfied. What will really be best for me. In my pride I think I know what that is and what it looks like. But who am I kidding? I can't see the second in front of me. I haven't gotten there yet. Much less the weeks, months and years down the road. God can! God knows! And He does care. He does want what's best for us. He knows what will bring Himself glory. Is that not my purpose here on earth? My short and limited time here is for His glory. But I can't bring Him glory if I am so focused on my wants and my plans for my life. That blurs my vision. That is when I've taken my eyes off of Him. When my gaze is no longer heavenward. The focus goes to me. And oh what a breeding ground for all types of sins. I lose faith, I worry more, I trust less, I lose my joy, I endanger my relationships, I become very unthankful. The list goes on and on, but I'll let you fill in the blanks.
Let's be honest. No one thinks of the act of denying ones self and thinks, "Hmm, that sounds fun, I think I'll try that today!" No! It's sounds hard, painful and very not fun. But we find so much peace there. We escape all the nasty things I just mentioned. We can be at rest knowing we are right where God want's us and that place is wherever He want's us to be. Doesn't that sound peaceful? Don't you want someone to take those burdens and worries you've been trying to carry? This is what Jesus has to say on the matter;
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt. 11:28-30.
God bless you! I hope you find this encouraging in your (daily) walk with Christ.
