ODJ: yielded and still
October 16, 2009
Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission? (v.37).
READ: Lamentations 3:37-40
Adelaide Pollard, born in 1862 in the US, had faithfully served God for many years through her gifts of teaching and writing. Her longtime desire, however, was to be a missionary in Africa. Finally the details were worked out and she was ready to set sail. But then, unexpectedly, she was forced to cancel her plans. Not being able to go left Adelaide disappointed and depressed. God spoke to her heart and she penned these words, “Mold me and make me after Thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still.” Her complete poem became the well-known hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.”
The prophet Jeremiah had also experienced depression over his circumstances as recorded in the book of Lamentations. He had seen Jerusalem destroyed by the Babylonians and God’s people placed under their harsh rule (Jeremiah 39:1-14, 52:12-14).
But, like Adelaide Pollard, instead of sinking deeper into sorrow, Jeremiah became yielded and still. He realized that his people had been sinning against God. That’s something Adelaide owned up to, as she acknowledged that “man’s own will is the basic sin he commits against God.” Through repentance and looking to God for guidance, both songwriter and prophet were able to see this truth: God is sovereign (Lamentations 3:37). It’s about His will, not our own.
Instead of complaining and becoming bitter (v.39), they wisely chose to examine their ways and “turn back to the Lord” (v.40). This is a wise formula for us to adopt when we face unexpected changes in our plans. As we seek God’s ways, not our own, we’ll find ourselves becoming quiet and still.
In time, the people of Judah were freed and rebuilt the city of Jerusalem. And, in time, Adelaide Pollard was permitted by God to minister for Him in Africa—yielded and still. —Tom Felten
How have I reacted to a recent change in my plans? What will I do to become yielded and still before God?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS FeedRelated
ODJ: point to Jesus
February 23, 2011 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life” (v.68). READ: John 6:60-69 Two days after my daughter purchased her first used car, it wouldn’t start. After fiddling with the battery, I tried hooking it back up. That was a big mistake. Little did I [...]
ODJ: what to do?
December 12, 2011 May He grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4). READ: Proverbs 3:1-9 I used to struggle massively with making decisions. When confronted with options I seldom experienced confidence that I would make the right decision. One winter, I flew to visit some dear friends who owned a ski [...]
ODJ: cause celebs
March 21, 2010 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and He will repay you! (Proverbs 19:17). READ: Romans 12:9-18 A majority of today’s celebrities have a cause. Whether it’s cancer research, animal rights, human rights, global warming, or a myriad of other charitable undertakings, countless high-profile actors and professional [...]
ODJ: run for your life
November 12, 2011 Run from sexual sin! (v.18). READ: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 I will probably never run a marathon. I know this because I ran a 5K race a few years ago, and I nearly passed out after the event. While the contestants ahead of me seemed to glide across the finish line, I approached it [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米
I’m so blessed by today’s devotion… thank you for sharing something so relevant in our Christian lives! Sometimes we think that we are doing fine and living the life God wants us, when in actuality, we’re living our own wills… which is a sin against God! When disappointment sets in over our unfulfilled plans, we get angry with God. Today’s devotion has encouraged me to live in God’s will and be flexible in allowing Him to mold my plans.