Living Life for Christ Alone

This morning, I was praying through parts of Colossians 1, where in verse 9 it says, "...that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding."  The NLT put it this way: "...We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will...." My response to that verse was, "Lord, how can I have complete knowledge of Your will? How can I really know what it is? It seems impossible!"

"Give it to me." "No!" "Why won't you give it to me?"  "Because I don't trust you!" Often, we have this conversation with God without realizing it. Maybe we wouldn't say those words -those faithless words- with our mouth, but we most certainly live it every day, and our hearts are unwilling to let go. I don't know how many times I've found myself on my knees,  praying through something big -something hard- and He says, "Give it to Me." My instinct is to say, "No!" Quickly, He asks, "Where is your faith? Don't you trust Me?" And I am left speechless...

Your life is only a brief moment. Blink, and it's gone. Some live all of their lives for themselves, knowing it is for themselves, and then the end comes and they realize it is all over. They missed the point. Some live their whole lives for themselves, and think they are living for God, but in reality they do things that appear outwardly good, but inwardly, they want glory, fame, respect -you name it. Then the end comes, and they are just as disappointed as the ones who knew they were living for themselves. They, too, missed the point.

Be still in God's presence. When life gets too hard to understand.... Look to the One who understands all things. When it seems too complicated to figure out.... Be still in the presence of the One who knows the future and is prepared to carry you through it. When things happen you hadn't counted on... Bask in the presence of Him who planned out your life from the beginning. When your heart seems broken beyond repair... Take it to the One who heals the brokenhearted. When loss seems too great to handle.... Go to the One who always holds you in His arms and let Him hold you close to His heart. When trials come and you feel you have no place to turn.... Turn to the One who is always there for you. He said He would never leave you.  Let Him show you the way. When your world falls apart.... Give your world to the One who is never shaken and let Him be your world. In HIS presence there is peace. In HIS presence there are answers. In HIS presence...