Lessons learned...again, and again, and again, and again...

I've learned that when a message pops up in casual conversation, then in a daily bible verse, then in another reading or conversation, maybe God's trying to tell me something?

When this happens, it tells me one of two things: 1) either I'm not listening or 2) if I thought I was listening, it's so important that I need to hear it loud and clear!

The message God sent me this time was not a new lesson. In fact, few of the things He's ever taught me are actually new to me at all. However, these lessons are not meant to be understood, but LIVED. And here's the lesson He reminded me of yet again: once you learn to trust me and depend on Me, you aren't done. You have to do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And every day after that until I call you home.

I just get so frustrated with myself, thinking what an idiot I am. I mean come on, I KNOW how amazing my life is, how full, at peace when I'm depending on God and living fully in His will. Yet, I lack passion in my daily quiet time. I continue to seek comfort in food, tv and work instead of the only source of true comfort and fulfillment. I'm not saying any of these things is bad, it's how I look to them, to fill that empty space inside me only God can fill.

Quoting from today's Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (paraphrases/mixes verses as though Jesus were talking directly to you):

Living in dependence on Me is a glorious adventure... life is meant to be living and working in collaboration with Me...You accept weakness as a gift from Me, knowing that My Power plugs in most readily to consecrated weakness. You keep your plans tentative, knowing that My plans are far superior. You consciously live, move, and have your being in Me, desiring that I live in you. I in you, and you in Me. This is the intimate adventure I offer you.

I have learned these lessons again and again, yet I still try to live under my own strength. I know that life is so beautiful when I surrender and rely on Him. It is not a for once and all, it is a constant focus on Him in the face of the distractions of the world and my own will.

If any of you want to walk My path, you're going to have to deny yourself. You'll have to take up your cross every day and follow Me.
Luke 9:23, The Voice Bible

Just when I think "Okay, I've finally got this!" is when Satan, the world, my own flesh come in and pull me away. I must cling to Him daily, letting Him fill me up.

Let's do this, God! I can make no promises for tomorrow, but today I'm going to follow You.