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.”
No couch potato for me, either! Yes, Bill, we can’t afford to be on auto-pilot when it comes to seeking God’s presence and precepts.
Just an aside here – Danny had a wild hair and booked us a cabin in the mountains for a few days; we will be leaving today with Virginia, and you know she is so excited about it! Will keep you in prayer.
Thanks for the response Martha. I’m glad Danny has hair to get wild. 🙂 But I think he is more like me. Anyway, I do hope you three have a fantastic time away!! And thanks for your prayer.
Love the passion and conviction, Bill!
It’s so easy to lose zeal as our senses get distracted. I’m in need of this in my life right now.
Thanks for the boost, brother.
I want to avoid losing that zeal Floyd. I know you do as well. We all tend to get distracted. May we always find our way to the Source.