Tired of Double Dutching through life

Today I listened to a sermon that spoke directly to me. We can choose to have a life of peace and be content in that life listening to and living a life that is God lead. Or we can choose to take the reigns ourselves and do things our way. Only one of these ways of living leads us to the pathway of true peace.

I feel like I've been double dutching my way through life. I jump and have one or both feet in God's world and then jump back into living my way, trying to accomplish things on my own. Back and fourth I go with the jump ropes of life twirling around me in a repetitious vortex of getting a piece of peace.

I realize that I am ready to put down those jump ropes, take off my tennis shoes and use my bare feet to start walking in faith consistently. It's the doorway to real peace, joy, and contentment. A true peace that comes not from the world, but from the God center placed within me. When I start looking for things, answers, opportunities outside myself I remain unfulfilled and discontented regardless of what's gleamed from living this way. Each time I come back to God and allow Him to take lead I have a sense of quiet peace, a joyful calm knowing that my Father knows best. I don't have to hop and jump around in a state of confusion from trying to control every event in my life. I feel like I can finally catch my breath because I don't have to avoid being hit by those ropes constantly jumping and out of breath.

When I think of the deal God provided us with ("My son for your sins"), words can't describe the state of my heart. I can't believe the things I put myself through when my mind pushes this fact aside. I can't believe what a know-it-all I think I am to believe I can come up with all my own answers. When I look back at that person I've been I give great thanks that God is patient, kind and forgiving, always. I am thankful for being allowed to fall face down from those double dutch ropes time and time again. The harder I hit my head the wiser and more humble my head becomes. God is always there with his infinite wisdom to patch me up and give me yet another opportunity to follow him. When people and life disappoint He never does.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Romans: 12:1 & 2