Thy Will Be Done
Lord God, I know that Jesus submitted to your will—totally. I struggle with this Lord, because though I try and disguise or hide it, I’m really asking too often that my will be done rather than yours. I want to join that symphony in heaven playing an instrument and hitting all the right notes and not go blaring off on my own self-centered improvisations.
I even wonder if I truly want to be the true bearer of your will? No holding back, but willing to face all that that implies. Is my reticence because I’m hesitant to face truthfully the sour notes of my life?
For too often as I sit in a darkened theatre and as a director call out: “Lights,” and move actors around at my bidding, and cause laughter and tears to swell in the audience at my command, I am, in a small and sad way, playing at an image of you that isn’t true and enjoying the supposed power.
So, help me to recognize your voice and your calling, not mine. Young Samuel did just that: “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” (Sam 3:7-11, ESV). And though it took him three times to gain full recognition, I’m willing to keep on trying, so that finally my ears too might tingle from the sound of your voice. I know that it’s only when I submit to the fullness of your requisites that I will begin to discover the extent of your love for me. For after all: “Because your love is greater than life my lips will glorify you” (Ps. 63:3, NIV). So, do speak Lord for this servant of yours is listening.
In Jesus mighty name I pray. . . Amen.
—Gillette Elvgren, Professor Emeritus, Regent University