This verse is a description of total reliance on God. Just as the eyes of a servant are riveted on his master, our eyes should be directed to and focused on God. This is how knowledge of His countenance is gained and how God reveals Himself to us (see Isaiah 53:1). Our spiritual strength begins to be drained when we stop lifting our eyes to Him. Our stamina is sapped, not so much through external troubles surrounding us but through problems in our thinking. We wrongfully think, “I suppose I’ve been stretching myself a little too much, standing too tall and trying to look like God instead of being an ordinary humble person.”

We have to realize that no effort can be too high.For example, you came to a crisis in your life, took a stand for God, and even had the witness of the Spirit as a confirmation that what you did was right. But now, maybe weeks or years have gone by, and you are slowly coming to the conclusion— “Well, maybe what I did showed too much pride or was superficial. Was I taking a stand a bit too high for me?” Your “rational” friends come and say, “Don’t be silly.

We knew when you first talked about this spiritual awakening that it was a passing impulse, that you couldn’t hold up under the strain. And anyway, God doesn’t expect you to endure.” You respond by saying, “Well, I suppose I was expecting too much.” That sounds humble to say, but it means that your reliance on God is gone, and you are now relying on worldly opinion.

The danger comes when, no longer relying on God, you neglect to focus your eyes on Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden stop will you realize that you have been the loser. Whenever there is a spiritual drain in your life, correct it immediately. Realize that something has been coming between you and God, and change or remove it at once.

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November 24 2014

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, this devotional sounds like our regular, standard everyday fare…”Stay connected to You, and I will know You are near to me.  But Lord that is not always so easy.  How do I do that? How do I stay connected and feel the strength of Your faith, love, power and grace when circumstances all around suggest that You are not here?   What do I do when my prayers seem to go unanswered, and I feel like you have gone on vacation… or that I am unworthy of Your intercession, or that You are teaching me one more lesson on waiting?  What do I do when it feels like You simply have not shown up?

And God says…”Just because I do not demonstrate My presence as you would like, does not mean that I am not there with you.  Just because you do not “feel” my presence does not mean I am not there with you. I am God, I know the future I have for you, a future for good…and I demonstrate my presence as I determine.  Trust My word, not your senses, feelings or ideas. Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you. Seek first the kingdom of God and I will provide everything else you require. Trust in Me (not your feelings, awareness, or senses, or ideas of how I should manifest Myself for and to you)…and do not rely on your own devices and I will make your paths straight.  Remember, the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”