Yes, Lord

There’s a place I found a couple of years ago, near our house, where there is a cross and in front of it there are two log benches to sit on.  It was on a day that I was completely overwhelmed.  I had been driving aimlessly up one street and down another, and then… I came upon this cross.  I was driving aimlessly, but our Father in Heaven, who is head over all His creation, was leading me.  As I sat on the log bench in front of the cross, I cried on my Lord’s shoulder and told Him how I was so overwhelmed.  He simply let me talk, cry and pour out my heart to Him; and then, He nudged me to read my devotional book, Daily Strengths for Daily Needs.  The following is what I read that Monday afternoon on June 17, 2024:

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow,—-Matt. 6:28

They do not toil: Content with their allotted task They do but grow; they do not ask a richer lot, a higher sphere, But in their loveliness appear, And grow, and smile, and do their best, And unto God they leave the rest.

Marianne Farningham

Yield yourself up utterly to His sweet control.  Put your growing into His hands as completely as you have put all your other affairs.  Trust Him absolutely and always.  Accept each moment’s dispensation as it comes to you from His dear hands.  Say a continual “Yes” to your Father’s will.

H.W.Smith

After I read that exhortation from Him out of that devotional book, my heart was at rest and my tears stopped flowing when I said, Yes, Lord!  What peace it brought to my soul—He’s in control!  He’s got me!  He is going to help me.  Our struggle comes and our hearts grow fearful and overwhelmed when we imagine that everything is depending on us.  Yielding to the truth that He is in control and saying, Yes, Lord, is a huge game changer.  Our focus is put into proper perspective when our eyes are turned upon the Lord, and we commit all into His loving and capable hands.  

I have had to return to that day’s devotion many times since, and each time that I do, and I remember to say, Yes, Lord, my heart is quieted, my fears are put to rest, and I am no longer overwhelmed.  Yes, Lord  simply means we surrender our will to God’s will; and that we die daily so that Christ may live in and through us.  There is a poem I have on my kitchen counter and the last part of it reads as follows: Come good or ill, Whatever to-day, to-morrow brings It is His will. Such a great reminder that God is in control!

Someone reading this today may be overwhelmed with life circumstances. You are not alone. Even the sweet Psalmist of Israel got overwhelmed—From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I—Psalm 61:2. Let me encourage you to Consider the lilies, yield yourself into the Lord’s hands, and say, Yes, Lord!  He will never fail you nor forsake you.  He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Reflections:

🌿 When you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances, take time to remember that God is in control and you do not have to carry every burden in your own strength.

🌿Each day this week, practice surrendering your will to God's will by praying, “Yes, Lord,” and trusting Him to guide you, strengthen you, and give you peace.

Our podcast, Still Facing Tomorrow—The Legacy of Dr. Tom Williams is now available to listen to.  The first episode aired October 13th and each episode will be available every other Tuesday.  Click on the picture below to listen. We pray it will be a help, a blessing, and a strengthening to your walk with God.