Shift: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       Shift

                       

                        Subjection not by choice

                        carries an extra weight

                        subtle prompts of rebellion

                        crave fulfillment.

                        Decision to adjust

                        requires shift in faith

                        diligent self-weeding

                        resting on prophecy’s hope.

Reflection: Subjection: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you ever see subjection as a means of hope? Why?

2.     From the previous verses creation seems to participate despite lack of choice. In what circumstances would you participate rather than resist?

3.     Would your outward obedience and inner heart be in agreement? Why or why not?

Share: For either reply what would you expect as a personal consequence?

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Subjection: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Romans 8:20

“For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope.”

Subjected and hope are not two words we normally put together.

Subjection usually walks alongside despair, shame, failure, blame, and fear. Or, if we fight back then our words are retaliation and refuse and resist.

Both towards ourselves and towards others. With strong emotions and attitude.

Boundaries we do not choose we instinctively resist.

These may all be good responses to an immediate danger we can identify and a protection against one we cannot yet see. We pause, evaluate, pray, and seek guidance.

Then sometimes we become stunned to realize that we are to actively relinquish our will and accept the consequences in trust. Possibly with no idea of when or how the situation will end, or if we will ever know the reason.

“And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ And He said, ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’” Revelation 21:5 NAS

Lord, give us courage when our wills are curtailed, first to seek Your guidance and then to accept Your strength when we need to obey. Enable us to bear the consequences in faith and trust and hope.

Psalm of Worship: Proverbs 8:19

“My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.”

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