I've been thinking a lot lately about "trying." You know, as in "attempting." I've been thinking about it in the context of my (and others') relationship with God. So many times I've heard myself use the word when I refer to some behavior I have decided to change or take on, for example praying more or reading the Word more or sinning less. I've heard many other believers do it as well. I hear us say things like the following:
"I'm trying to read the Bible every morning."
"I'm trying to pray for an hour every day."
"I'm trying not to sleep with my boyfriend."
"I'm trying to be grateful."
Try.
Try.
Try....
And what are we really saying when we say these things? I think it's more like, "I want to do this or that--my INTENTIONS are to do it-- but I'm not always doing it." It may be due to lack of effort or self-discipline or just plain not wanting to. So, instead of DOING it or NOT DOING it, we say we're "trying to..." It sounds so much better that way.
The interesting thing is, I don't hear God use the word in the Bible. He just says "be" or "do" or "do not do." In God's world, there doesn't seem to be "try"; there just seems to be DO.
He doesn't say "try to be holy;" He says "be holy"... and when you're not, when you fail, confess it, ask forgiveness, be washed in the cleansing blood of Jesus, accept the grace He gives, put on the armor of God, pray for the strength of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within you... and be holy. (when you fail once again, go back to step 1--Be Holy!... come on, you all know how to do this... wash, rinse, repeat.)
He doesn't say , "try not to be anxious." He says, "Do not be anxious about anything." (Phil 4:6a) And, when you fail and are anxious, follow the steps above... wash, rinse, repeat!
He doesn't say, "try to rejoice always!" He says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4) Wash, rinse, repeat.
Maybe it seems like I'm playing a game of semantics with this, but I don't think so. I know I was born in April, but Momma didn't raise no fool! It sounds pretty clear to me. And, maybe it's just for me. But I've come to the conclusion that I have to eliminate the word "try" from my walk with God.
No more "I'll try." Just "I will."
"...for it is God who works in you to will and to do according to His good purpose." (Phil 2:13)
According to His word, it's He who is working in me, anyway... I just need to join Him! So, I think I'll give it a try...
Hi Sharilyn,
ReplyDeleteIt's a great, inspriational note! With Lent winding down soon, the resolve is really got to amp up. I resolved to be more thoughtful and prayerful this season. It's been a blessing to do it. Hope your Lent season is a blessing.
Best wishes,
Skeeter
That's a good word sister!
ReplyDelete(begin big dork comment)
ReplyDeleteReally good stuff and a great post. A wise man once said, "Do or do not. There is no try."
I'm trying to remember who that was. Hmmmmmm. I remember he was short. I think he had big ears.... uhh....wait. I remember a funny accent... ah, man! It was Yoda!
(end big dork comment)
Ouch, Sharilyn. Stepped on my toes there.
ReplyDeleteJust so happens, that's exactly what I needed today!
and remember it's God's will...I understand so much of where you are coming from with this post. it's a constant reminder with me.
ReplyDeleteHow very true, sister. This takes a large amount of will though, but I will 'try'... Hahhaa..
ReplyDeleteHuman,and weak I am but I'm just glad that God knows my weakness and He's there to gimme a pull. I really need to medidate on being ' I will '...
We're having a weekend soon, wishing you a great one dearie.
Good stuff. My kids like to "try" to do what we ask them to do. Usually it means it's not going to happen. I suppose as grown ups we're not that different. (I "tried" to stop drooling over the cakes in your post above. Not telling whether I accomplished it or not." And thanks for coming by my place last night, appreciated your words there.
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