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Friday, February 09, 2007

Something to consider

Today I'd like to introduce you to a guest blogger who is ruggedly handsome, a great daddy, and the love of my life, my husband David Wallace. Unbeknownst to me David wrote a blog that when I saw it this morning, it had me reading and re-reading with my jaw dropped.

It smarts with truth and straightforwardness and it was something I needed to hear. It also dovetails well with what I blogged about the other day. So rather than sum it up, I'll share his words here...

Lust

I’m sure everyone is familiar with the concept of lust. There is the lust for power, for sex, for money. These are some of the most commonly thought of. However, the devotional I was reading the other morning opened my eyes and my heart to become aware of another type of lust.

Spiritual Lust.

I wrestled with the concept for a while, but when it came right down to it, I realized that it not only exists as a possibility, but that it is very real, so real in fact that I am guilty of it much of the time.

The quote I read from my devotion ( My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers) was this:

“Spiritual lust makes me demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God who gives the answer…The meaning of prayer is that we get hold of God, not of the answer.”

I was reminded of my favorite Psalm, the 37th. I love many verses in this Psalm, but I specifically thought of verses 4-5:

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.”

The focus here is the Lord. Delight in Him. Commit your way to Him. The answers to our prayers are a result, not the goal or focus.

Lately, I’ve been frustrated with God for not answering my prayers quickly enough for my liking or in ways that I expected (or demanded). My focus has been on getting God to answer my prayers…not on knowing Him, His will and His ways. I’ve been guilty of what Mr. Chambers labeled Spiritual Lust.

Again I’m humbled to see I have so much to learn as I turn once again from demanding and throwing a temper tantrum when my insistencies are not satisfied and refocus to seek the One who can teach me as He makes me more like Himself.

4 comments:

Sally Datria said...

Wow...a very poignant truth...I am struggling right now to find my purpose in life as I feel like I am accomplishing nothing...I thought I had found it and it was pulled out from under me...and my prayers have been...demanding. This post has definitely given me pause....

Rel said...

Great reminder, David :)

Amy Wallace said...

Thanks, Rel! David really appreciated your comment.

Amy

Amy Wallace said...

Sally,

I'm right there with you in feeling like I'm accomplishing nothing. Funny isn't it? I'm sure people would tell us both we're doing a lot of good. But until we believe the truth about who we are, we'll struggle most with God and our emotions.

I'm praying for you and I know you're praying for me. Let's hang on and see what God is up to. I'm choosing (and rechoosing often each day) to believe God has great good in store.

Much love,
Amy

 
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