I remember it like it was yesterday.
I declared my independence.
The decision was final, and well within my power to do so, since I sat (out of place) as both judge and jury. I rejected hearing any eyewitness testimonies and overruled all presentations of evidence proving His innocence. I denied His unconditional love for me, since in my omniscience, love would not have allowed what was allowed. Not according to my definition of love, which was law.
Because God let me down, because He did not operate how and when I thought He should, I thought I could do no worse independent of Him.
And just when I thought, like Job (Job 30:20-21), that I had the right to indict God, to sit in a place of righteous indignation and bring an accusation against the Creator of the Universe (Job 40:2) – I realized that I could not answer God:
- Where was I when God laid the foundations of the earth and its measurements (Job 38:4-5)?
- Do the hawks take flight by my wisdom, or the eagles soar at my command (Job 39:26-27)?
- Do I have arms like God; can my voice thunder like His (Job 40:9)?
- Can I bring a claim against God when He owns everything in heaven and under heaven (Job 41:11)?
I Forgive You, God
Ever been in a perceived place of forgiving God? A place where you know you were (or are) mad at Him. You run to your room like a child and scream into your pillow all the things you wish you could say out loud, but can’t. And then you realize – you’ve got it all wrong.
I stand corrected, O Lord. Surely I spoke of things I didn’t understand – things too wonderful for me to know (Job 42:3).
Ever needed a change of heart, where you resolve to hold God harmless and blameless for the things that have happened?
You release the anger and make that decision to re-submit to His will. You know that no court in the heavens, on Earth, or beneath the Earth could ever find Him guilty of not loving you – guilty of not acting in your best interest – guilty of planning harm to come to you (Jeremiah 29:11).
Funny how only my Beloved Accused could free me from the thoughts that held me hostage. Only Jesus Christ could pay the high ransom on my head, and design my utterly genius escape route from myself, from my independence.
So, what’s the play call?
This month, as the United States celebrates its independence, let’s rejoice and celebrate our declaration of DEpendence on God.
Declare it! “God, I need You!” Put it out there for all to see.
I need You in my life, God! Every beat of my heart totally depends on You. You have been nothing but a consistent, loving source of everything I need, I am, and will ever be. Our freedom means nothing without Your love and sacrifice.
We appreciate You, God, and we place our trust in You. And, like a child hanging from Daddy’s neck, Your arms will never let us fall.
