All By Myself, Don't Wanna Be...

Somewhere along the way, many of us learned people weren't dependable. Not all, but many. Even the kindest, most loving people will unintentionally not follow through and leave you hanging. So we developed a mindset of "If you want something done, do it yourself." "If you want it done right, do it yourself." Or my personal favorite, "God helps those who help themselves." People spout that one off like it's actually in the Bible. (It isn't.) And so, with that in mind, we DO...do it ourselves. We don't ask because it seems easier not to. We don't ask because we'd rather not be let down. We don't ask because we don't trust people to keep their word, remember what they agreed to, or do it correctly. And then, somewhere along the way, if we're not really careful, that begins to bleed over into our relationship with God. We don't approach boldly. We think our wants and needs are small and unimportant. Or we dont trust God any more than we trust people. James 4:2 says we have not because we ask not. And then sometimes we pick up things that are not our cross, and carry it, thinking we've earned religious brownie points. I had an experience a few years ago that is burned in my brain, and on the hard days, I review it as a reminder. I was totally bogged down and overwhelmed with trying to do the daily caring for of Liberty, and then on top of that, doctor's appointments, therapy, evaluations, etc. And then dealing with my own grief as well, while soldiering on, doing what I had to do for my family and home. And I was fine one minute, and in the next was sobbing into my arms on my kitchen counter. I cried out, "God, I can't do this by myself!" And I heard that still, small, gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit, "I never asked you to." Friend, He can be trusted. He is faithful. Cast all your cares on him. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. Ask Him to order your steps, to show you what He wants you to do, and give you grace to let Him do the rest.