Striving: Commit Your Way to the Lord

Today’s devotional is from Jesus Lives by Sarah Young. After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her. She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God. Like her bestselling book, Jesus Calling, the devotions in Jesus Today are written from Jesus’ point of view, and it is Sarah’s fervent prayer that our Savior may bless readers with His presence and His peace in ever deeper measure. ~ Devotionals Daily

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Instead of rushing to pursue a goal, take time to talk with Me about it. I realize that striving to achieve comes almost as naturally to you as breathing. When a goal grabs your attention, your instinct is to “go for it” without really thinking it through. You may invest a lot of time and energy in the endeavor – only later realizing that it was the wrong pursuit. But when you take the time to first discuss matters with Me, you experience much more satisfaction.

There are many benefits to talking with Me – before, during, and after your quest. The Light of My Presence illuminates the pursuit so you can see it from My perspective.

As your perspective lines up more with Mine, you gain a growing desire to please Me. This desire produces benefits far beyond the task at hand: It deepens your relationship with Me.

If you discern that your pursuit accords with My will, then you can go forward confidently. As you work collaboratively with Me, continue to communicate about what you are doing. When your goal has been achieved, thank Me for My help and guidance. Rejoice in what we have accomplished together!

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in Your Name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness. – Psalm 89:15-16

There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord ’s counsel – that will stand. – Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)

Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. – Psalm 37:5 (NASB)

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13 (NASB)

Excerpted with permission from Jesus Lives by Sarah Young, copyright Thomas Nelson, 2012.

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Your Turn

Are you striving and stressing? Struggling to achieve comes almost as naturally as breathing, but God wants to walk with you, talk with you about every part of your day and ease your stress as you work together and live in communion with Him. Come join the conversation on our blog! We would love to hear from you about the peace and strength that comes from walking with Jesus throughout each day! ~ Devotionals Daily