A Holy Paradox

 

Today I want to consider a paradox God brought to my attention multiple times this week: the paradox of resting in God's power. Why is this a hard truth to understand? For one, we as humans seek doing, even if we aren't the person who says yes to everything and runs around like a chicken with its head cut off. I've seen it in some degree in every human I've come across. Humans desire to gain because they've worked. Every Christian I've talked to or heard from expresses a difficulty comprehending how free salvation, love and protection from God truly is to His children.

Even in healing, I see this human tendency at play. Instead of laying in the arms of God, depending on His strength to bring renewal or empower one to act... Christians (including myself) often strive for health, wholeness and productivity on their own power. No wonder the majority of us are tired!

If you're tired today, wanting to do, heal, or defeat something... let me invite you into a Psalm which encouraged me to let go and rest, so that I could act on God's power. 

O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength.

How great is his joy in the victories You give.

You welcomed him with rich blessings

and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

Through the victories You gave, his glory is great;

You have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

Surely You have granted him eternal blessings

and made him glad with the joy of Your presence.

For the king trusts in the LORD;

through the unfailing love of the Most High

he will not be shaken.

Your hand will lay hold on all Your enemies;

Your right hand will seize Your foes.

At the time of Your appearing

You will made them like a fiery furnace.

In His wrath the LORD will swallow them up,

and His fire will consume them.

Be exalted, o LORD, in Your strength;

we will sing and praise Your might.

-Psalm 21 (italics added)