I’ve been working for about ten years on being more productive and efficient. It’s been slow going, and I think only recently has there been more success than failures. What I’ve learned is my success directly stems from my dependence on God. The more I attempt to be in control, the more I fail; but the more I submit to God’s control, the more He uses me to do His work.
As you look at Psalm 119, verses 33 to 40, notice the start of the first seven verses. They are all requests for God to do something to the Psalmist:
- Teach me
- Give me understanding
- Make me walk in the path of Your Commandments
- Incline my heart to Your Testimonies
- Turn away my eyes from empty things
- Establish Your Word to Your Servant
- Turn away my reproach
Over and over again, the Psalmist presents his humble dependence on God. He does not ask God to help him or bless him in whatever he is doing. Instead, he pleads for God to act on him. Do these things to me!
I’m reminded of the comforting truth in Romans 8:28 – that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose. God causes all things; works all things. The more you depend on Him, submit to Him, the more you will have success and you will prosper. Why? Because it’s not based on your resources and power. Instead, you are turning your life over to the God who made you and loves you. To the God who is always good, always wise, always powerful.
If you really desire to be successful in life, trust in the Lord with all your heart. Ask him like the Psalmist to act on you!