High Maintenance

We’ve all met them. “High Maintenance” people. They’ll suck the life right out of you if you let them. You give them an inch, they take a mile. They are constantly needy. Friendship with them is draining. Seeing their number appear on the “call display” of your phone, brings hesitation as to whether you have time to pick up the receiver. Hearing their voice stifles an inner groan. Inviting them over for coffee takes mental and emotional preparation as they leave you exhausted. You pray for more patience and for God’s love to change your heart so you will see them though His eyes of love, but it’s still hard.

I received a comment on one of my recent blog posts remarking that it’s a good thing God doesn’t need to take a nap, because my life was keeping Him rather busy! My friend was joking about my constant need for God, minute by minute, hour by hour while I was away at the “She Speaks” Conference in North Carolina. I guess I ‘d have to agree with her - I was a “high maintenance” Christian during that weekend. However, when I thought about that further, I believe God desires us to be ‘high maintenance’. He wants us to be completely and totally depending on Him.

Websters says that the dependent person relies on another for support or aid; a person who depends on someone else for existence. Who are you putting your faith and trust in today? We often sing that chorus, “You are the air I breathe”. If you sincerely believe that truth, then you recognize that God is maintaining and sustaining each second of your life. Scripture says that apart from Him I can do nothing. NOTHING! God doesn’t want me independent and self-reliant. He desires that I lean fully on Him for everything.

Sometimes circumstances arise in our life that force us back into a relationship with Him where we are totally and completely dependent on God. We recognize that we are entirely helpless and that without God's miraculous intervention the outcome looks bleak at best. Don't loose hope. Our Father is more than able to handle all that concerns us today. Don’t try and take matters into your own hands, but in sweet surrender trust God. He wants us desperate for Him and He doesn’t groan with each request. He longs for us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. He will carry us through every situation. We don't need to preface our concern with an apology. God yearns for us to share everything with Him and expect everything from Him.

As I write this my parents are leaning on God with high house maintenance concerns. The last several days of rain have brought havoc to the structure of their home, but their foundation is in Him. I have a friend whose daughter is causing unexpected high emotional strain of betrayal, hurt and disappointment, yet she’s clinging to the hope she has in Him as I'm sure many are storming heaven on her behalf. I personally am coming to Him with so many questions, cares and concerns, yet He doesn’t shy away from my dependency, but welcomes it. He say’s, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Don’t be afraid to share it all with Him. He can take it and He’ll never leave you or forsake you. Today He wants to carry you.

God loves us to be “high maintenance”, trusting in and on Him for everything. Can you say today, Lord, You are my all in all? Don't blame yourself for past mistakes, or camp on "what if's". Let Him breathe life into whatever situation is consuming your thoughts and breaking your heart. He's right there my friend...just reach out and take His hand. Fall into His secure embrace.


*** Before I close, I must thank Susan for “tagging me”…I think! :o)

To answer her request, I must post 6 random things about me. So….I went to my 16 year old son and asked him to supply my answer. This is what he said:
1.Mom loves dark, orange chocolate.
2.Mom likes anything associated with “dancing” and “Princess” themes.
3.Mom spends as much time as possible reading and writing.
4.Mom hates the kitchen (to which he added – This is demonstrated in her cooking ability!)
5.Mom loves God and doing Bible studies with friends.
6.Mom is always wrong (spoken like a true 16 year old boy!)