When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:23, NIV*
We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can change our reactions to them.
The Apostle Peter tells us Jesus “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” The Message says He was “content to let God set things right.”** That implies He trusted God to be willing and able to do so.
And in chapter 3 Peter tells us to live the same way.
Pain, tiredness, worry… whatever stresses me-I have a strong emotional response. Same with anything I dislike or think should be done differently. Control issues, I know. And who actually rules the universe? Let me think: not me!
So when things go wrong in my day, my agenda’s thrown off-course, someone chooses to do something at home or at church that’s not what I’d choose… if I’m tired or in pain… I’m to entrust myself to God who judges justly.
Not to lie down and play martyr. Or passively-aggressively sulk. (Who, me?) Actively, positively… trust God. Commit my way to Him.
Father, sometimes there’s pain. Or tiredness, fears or struggles. But if I can’t walk away, please protect me from making things worse. Give me Your peace. Help me know You’re with me and that You have a plan.
Help me trust You and live submitted to Your leading. Help me cooperate as You retrain my mind into healthier patterns. Thank You for Big Daddy Weave’s version of “Trust and Obey” on the radio this morning to cement the teaching. Help me keep it simple, LORD. Help me trust and obey.
Here’s our song for the week: “Trust and Obey,” from Big Daddy Weave.
*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
**The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
Oh boy, did your words ever speak to me today ! Thank you so much for that reminder to just trust and obey….for there is NO other way.
“please protect me from making things worse.”
That’s my prayer this morning. How the enemy spreads his poison in our hearts in our response to another’s struggle or wrong. Me? Guilty as charged! Thanks for ministering trust and obedience to this heart.
“Help me cooperate as You retrain my mind into healthier patterns.” This is my prayer too. I want to trust God and leave it, whatever it is, in His hands. Thanks for posting this song. It’s a great reminder. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa. I’ve bookmarked your blog at A Moment With God to visit again!
God help us both to learn to take our “stuff” to God and leave it with Him. He knows best. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!