An alternate plan

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 

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That quote resonates with me because there was a time that I thought I had my life all figured out. And then something happened that caused a 180 degree shift in my thinking.  I found myself in a place that was not a good place to be in and it was obvious that I was not doing a very good job of running my life. I had relied on my intelligence and my capabilities and yet it wasn't working ... my life was a mess. I had always believed in God. But what I had always done was put myself out in front and then when I got into a mess, I asked Him to help me. One day I stepped back and surrendered completely to God's plan for my life - I gave Him the permission to take over (kind of a "Jesus-take-the-wheel" moment). I told Him that He could be in charge from now on and that I would listen and follow and would stop trying to play God myself; He could be out in front. It was surprisingly easy which is not normal for me because I like control. And yet what I found was that it was freeing to give that up and learn to just follow. And trust. And it changed everything. It was not a magic fix. My circumstances did not change immediately for the better. But my perspective changed. And that changed everything. I realized that if I follow the One who I believe loves me with all perfect love and has my best interest at heart at all times, then whatever happens is supposed to happen. That gives me something I never had before .... peace!

 "The LORD is my shepherd;

         I shall not want.

 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

         He leads me beside the still waters.

 He restores my soul;

         He leads me in the paths of righteousness 

         For His name’s sake. 

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

         I will fear no evil; 

         For You are with me ..."    -Psalm 23:1-4

And I found that I do not have to worry about anything. I am not the one that has to take on that burden. I just have to be willing to be still and listen so that I can hear that often very quiet voice leading me. I thought I was a good shepherd. But what I discovered is that being a 'sheep' is a lot nicer way to go.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30