Day 14: Just Let God

Reading: Psalm 9:7-12

There is something very comforting in knowing that God will take care of you when you need His help. We just need to trust that He will and not worry about the things that we can't control. David says that when he cries out to God, He will hear his cries and that justice will be served. We can count on the same results when we cry out to God. The biggest thing is trusting in His timing and His work. We may not see the result we want when we want, but we can bet that God will take care of us and move in to rescue us from the things in life that seem to take us over. Instead of trying to take matters into your own hands when things are out of your control and timing, let God handle it in His timing.
We see Him take care of David over and over through the hard life he faces. What makes you think He won't take care of you?

What is something in your life that you just need to let go of and let God handle in His timing?



When have you tried to handle something out of your control yourself? How did you feel afterwords?




Reading: Matthew 11:16-30

As a Christian, there are so many things to worry about, and yet we are told that we shouldn't. Jesus tells us in this reading to come to Him and let our burdens go. Jesus isn't into the religious rituals that may come about in churches or because we think it is the thing to do. In fact, He condemns the Pharisees for placing such heavy rules on people. Jesus says to just come to Him and see what He can do in your life. No strings attached and no frets about doing the right things.
The comforting thing about Christianity is that you can't earn it. You can't do a check list to ensure you're going to heaven. It has already been done for you. All you have to do is accept the great gift that God has given us, and allow Him to come into your life and make a change. It's  more than sticking a Jesus fish on your car, but it's not something you can do. Don't let the traditions, rituals and "things" of Christianity wear you down. Those things aren't bad, but they are not the basis of your salvation.

What are somethings Christians do to "earn" their salvation?



How does Jesus' words lighten the load in this reading?




Reading: Genesis 29:1-30:43

Talk about your sibling rivalry! After Jacob has numerous children with 2 sisters and their maids, we can see that this wasn't the healthiest way to follow the plan God had for him. So many times we worry about our lives and where it'll end up, so we again, take matters into our own hands and try to make something of ourselves, when God already has it in the works. Jacob deceives his father in law by breeding the sheep for his own flock. Apparently there is a lot of deception in this family. Even though we see Jacob, Rachel and Leah all mess up and do what they want instead of what God would have intended, we see God still use them to do great things as the family line carries on. God never wants us to do things our own way, because He is the One that is in control of our lives. We should always check on His timing and purposes before trying to pursue our own ways. But, even when we do take our own way, God can still make good from it. It will just be harder for you in the long run.

What is something you did the hard way?



When have you deceived to get your way? How did that work out in the long run?



Many times we'll try to do things our way, and take matters into our own hands. We may worry about our lives and try to make something of ourselves, when all along, God has something in the works that we just need to be patient on. We are told not to let the rituals of religion burden us, as they are not the things that matter. We are to turn to God and know that He is sovereign and in control. What do we have to worry about when He has the reigns and has the best plans for us?