This past Sunday, we went around the perimeter of our home to do some weeding. Searching for the weeds growing around, we found them in the cracks along the drive away, the path to the backyard, and along the fence-line. We were out weeding so we could avoid tiny pokes to our bare feet in the summer. Those burs and spikey weeds would also overtake our yard.
My oldest asked if she could pull them from where she stood. I told her no, for if we pulled them from the top we’d miss removing the weeds from the root therefore allow those invaders to sprout a new plant. You guys, these weeds are the spikey burrs and the velcro weeds that stick on anything!
I think true of our problems in our lives: we want to pull the plant out, meaning we want to treat a root issues with a moral choice or good behavior. Correct behavior rather than the heart. I know I have far too often than I’d like to confess.
In this COVID-19 season, I’d like us to think on how we can go to the root of some of our problems. Yes, a time of reflection and introspective… some people’s worst nightmare! (haha) And, I’d like to encourage you to go directly to God seeking him for wisdom and guidance to root out sin issues. When I work with children and a discipline issue comes up I use “redemptive discipline,” where by we would encourage our kiddos ages 2 and up to look at the issues, call it as is: sin and know we alone cannot change. We need God to impact and change us. So we’d lead little ones in prayer and with older ones we’d encourage them to pray.
A personal example: Often times this looks like yelling out of anger due feeling upset because of a control issue. I know when things don’t go my way. Fear sets in. I want to control, I will be more likely to yell and treat others poorly.
While I am saying, “I can pull the plant out from here (through legalism, behavorism or moralism),” I hear God’s spirit saying, “Let me pull this (whatever sin and sin patterns) out.” I feel like God is saying, “I want to do this in you. I want to do this for you.” He asks, “Do you trust me?”
So, today, let’s declare this: God we trust you to mold us and make us into the masterpieces we are. We ask that you The Great Gardener would cultivate rich soil of our soul, deep roots in our hearts and soundness of mind.
Let’s Pray: Dear God, I am sorry for times I want to do things in my strength. I am sorry for times I want to look good or act good. Work in me and through me because I want a transformed heart. God, I trust you and I thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit in me. May I flourish and grow in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Abundant Mommyhood 