Serve only the Lord your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him. – (Deuteronomy 13:4, NLT)
The charge given in this verse seems simple enough, yet if we truly examine our lives, it is a bit more complex. To serve only the Lord our God, is to lay down our own selfish desires, and instead do that which He is calling us to do, rather than what feels good in the moment. Serving God is not self-serving, it is sacrificial. There is an element of giving up our own desires, and trusting that the Lord’s ways are best. With fear, if we are overwhelmed with fear by situations and circumstances before us, then our fear is misappropriated. God is far greater than anything that could come against us, so rather than fear people or circumstances, we ought to stand in awe of the One who can alter the outcome of all. As we choose to listen to His voice, we will hear what He is asking. When we hear, we are called too, to obey. Often the very things that He is asking are seemingly impossible. It is the impossibilities that ought to compel us to cling to Christ, as He is our help and our hope. May we rise up with fresh resolve, and choose to listen, obey, serve, and cling to Christ as we stand in awe of who He is and all that He is able to do.
Help me to follow,
Your ways evermore;
To honor and serve,
As Your love restores.
May I stand in awe,
Fear You Lord alone;
For Your strength is more,
Than anything known.
Teach me to obey,
Each command You give;
Help me hear Your voice,
So truth in me lives.
No matter what comes,
May I ever cling;
To You, Lord Jesus,
True hope offering.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You speak to us and strengthen us to do that which You call us to do. Forgive us for serving ourselves, rather than You alone, and for fearing things before us, rather than recognizing the remarkable power in Your mighty hands. Teach us to cling to You, so that we will listen to Your voice and obey Your commands. Show us how to love those around us in such a way, that they will see Your heart through how we serve. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we learn to listen and obey, serving You alone, as we stand in awe of You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – 1 Peter 2:19
Revelations In Writing 