My title for today’s devotion is Autopilot vs Striving.

I read recently that pilots are become more susceptible to making errors due to auto-pilot and all the advancements made to flying and self-flying. One of the commercials I have seen lately has been one of the major car companies (Nissan) introducing a “Driver Assist” to the Rogue. I’m pretty sure the other car makers have as well. That sort of concerns me. I know how easy it is to get distracted while driving with the steering wheel in my hands, let alone be “relaxed” when it comes to driving with awareness.

Vigilance is a word that I think has lost its oomph. In some ways many have hit autopilot when it comes to their Christian walk. When I sat down at my kitchen table this morning to have my Quiet Time, I prayed earnestly (I don’t always) that God would give me something from His Word. The old hymn Break Thou the Bread of Life came to mind. “Beyond the sacred page, I seek Thee Lord; My spirit pants for Thee, O Living Word.” Another stanza has these words: “Show me the Truth concealed, Within Thy Word, And in Thy Book revealed I see the Lord.” (My apologies for the King James English).  🙂

One of the things I want to guard against is being on autopilot. I want to continue to hunger for God’s Word. That’s why Psalm 92:12-15 (Please stop and read it) stood out to me today. Not only do I want to flourish but I like the phrase “They still bear fruit in old age; they are full of sap and green.” What a vivid picture that puts in my head!  I want to continue striving, reaching for, and sweating with arms outstretched and hands wide open. No autopilot for me!! The only “driver assist” I want is God’s help to stay the course and keep going.  I want my last breath to be still seeking Him.

“Father, please don’t let me be content with autopilot. Even at age 66 I still want to be striving with arms outstretched and hands wide open reaching for all you have for me. I don’t want “couch-potato” to describe my remaining years.”