“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” Psalm 51:12 NLT
In order to train a dog, in order to accomplish bathing and grooming, and in order to share your life with a pet, he must be willing. Whether the circumstances under which he learns be cruel or kind, and the former implies more of a breaking of its will than compliance, the dog must submit to the forces of its master in order to accomplish the task.
Since I groom Famous myself, I have to exude a confidence and competence when using grooming clippers if I expect Famous to allow me to shave so close to his head and neck. Without his complete submission, a quick jerk of his head might produce unwanted outcomes. He allows me to push and pull him, positioning him to get the particular side or angle his grooming requires. Finally, I’ll say, “We’re done!” and he can breathe a little easier while I take in his improved looks.
And even though it requires an act of submission, our souls’ restoration depends on following God’s will. He is the Master that understands the joy we can have, the perfect goal of his creation if we will only follow him. When we resist his work in us, we drive ourselves away from his perfect plan for our lives.
Father, forgive me for resisting You. Help me to continue to seek Your will in my life.
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