Surrendering Love

"The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence." 
- Psalms 11:5 (ESV)

First, before reading today, go watch the beautiful video God Could Have Left Job Alone by Bob Sorge.  Take five minutes and sit and think about the trials in your life and the ways they've shaken you.

While watching this video, the purpose of trails and suffering was put into an entirely new perspective for me. I am lucky enough to be able to say that I've never been through a life changing tragedy like Bob Sorge but I have been through and am in a season of life, full of uncertainty. I've found that when I'm in the dark and dry seasons, prayer is the hardest thing to do. I'm unsure why this is, but everything else seems to get in the way. I tend to choose Pinterest, music, YouTube, Instagram and sleep over my time in the Word during these times in my life.

"For five years, or so, my prayer life was basically 3 words-- I love you. I don't understand you, but I love you." This is so encouraging to me. Bob was obedient to the Lord through the darkness. He sat at the Lord's feet completely unclear of what was to come next, and gave Him his love. I can't help but believe that this makes the Lord abundantly happy. When we are confused, uncertain and completely blind to the reason of our situation and continue to love Him... that is obedience. Like Bob describes for Job's story, Jesus is fully capable to leave us to our selves, our problems and our sin-- but He doesn't. Jesus loves us too much to leave us to the smallness of what we know. If we choose to turn to the Lord is times of adversity, Jesus will make a home in our hearts. Through the name of Jesus, we find a completely new world.

Psalms 11:5 says that the Lord tests those who are righteous. The Lord uses our trials and uncertainty to turn our hearts to Him. Even when we're in the dry seasons the Lord is near. We are blessed to be in His presence. Even when we feel like God has abandoned us, we are not alone. The last thing we want is for God to leave us. As hard as it sometimes is, we have to be in constant pursuit of the Lord. Jesus longs for us to be hungry for Him.

As our week comes to a close, picture your life and how different if would be if you chose obedience. If you're going through something that causes you pain and doubt, being to pray like Bob did-- a prayer full of surrendering love.

I want everything You've got for me. Lord, do not leave me to myself. Interrupt me. Test me. Reveal Yourself to me. 

(holla at my girl, Jacy for sharing this video with me) :)