Is He really ALL you need or want?

Asking for help is not enjoyable for me. I like being self-sufficient and self-supporting. It's a human nature thing. 

One of my fond memories is of trying to assist my daughter, then about 3, who was fussing and crying while trying to put on her snow parka to play outside.  She had it upside down and backward, her little feet in the hood.  There was no way she was going to get it on without assistance, but when I went to help, she protected her independence with a fierce and tearful, "I do it myself!" Right then I saw a reflection of myself. The memory still makes me chuckle 3 decades later-and it makes me cringe, too, for it is a revelation of the sinful nature so common to us all.

There is a subtle pride underlying this need to be in charge. It is noble not to want to be a burden on others. However, too often self-sufficiency is a way to hold onto the conviction that "I am not weak like you," that I am smarter, more disciplined, better, in one or another, than others. This attitude is sinful and it cuts a person off from true richness only found in a relationship with God andother people.  

The Lord loves me enough that from time to time He allows circumstances to overtake me that remind me how much I need Him and others. Recently, a situation absolutely beyond my control has been a painful trial in my life.  I would not willingly have chosen my present path, but He has used this time to show me His love, to renew my willingness to lean on others. The hardship is a gift.

Christian friend, is your life tinged with a subtle conceit of self?  
Are you resisting the attempts of others to help, hanging onto your illusion of self-sufficiency? 

Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:3-5, NIV)  His words are the very opposite of what we admire in life, aren't they?  Our culture gives adulation to those who are powerful, who appear to live above suffering, and who work to assert their will on others. But, in the end, Self worship leads to death.

The Lord invites us to follow His example, to live as He lived.  He had no earthly power, but yet through Him millions of people have been transformed.  He did His greatest work, making peace on our behalf with His Father at the point of His worst suffering.  He never compelled anyone to do what He did, but invites all to 'come and follow Me.'  The Son of God was the friend of sinners, choosing to give away His prerogatives.  Yes, He lived what He taught.

The Message makes the verses quoted a moment ago even more accessible. Read these next lines prayerful, carefully, won't you? 
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." (Matthew 5:3-5, The Message)

Humility is an elusive thing for many of us. We find it in our worst moments and receive God's gift of love, the gift of mercy from others. Too often, the moment we find our footing again, pride re-emerges. God save us from ourselves! 

Here's the word from the Word. May it guide our path in life today and always.

"He gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. 

Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." 
(James 4:6-10, NLT)

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"When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When she might have won had she stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow,

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit." ~ Unknown