18 comments

Dawn Wilson

Tethering

Posted on 11.02.09 by Dawn Wilson | Twitter: @HeartChoices
Topics: Relationship with God

The following post is written by Dawn Wilson, a researcher and writer for Revive Our Hearts. You can read more by her on her blog "Heart Choices Today."

One of the phrases in the True Woman Manifesto is, “We realize that we live in a culture that does not recognize God's right to rule . . .” Initially, as I read through and signed the manifesto, I thought, “No problem with that one. I believe God has the right to rule in my life. I don’t insist on my own way. I’m willing to say, ‘Yes, Lord.’” The word that I thought let me off the hook was “insist.” I didn’t insist on my own way—an attitude which would be deadly to my spiritual health.

God showed me that another attitude was just as deadly. When I am not proactive about my relationship with God, I “drift” into my own way. A canoe that is not tethered to a pier drifts out into deep waters where it can be capsized by high waves. Perhaps it drifts back toward shore, but its hull is gouged on the rocks.

I drift when I’m content to live independent of God. When I am not tethered to Him in intimate prayer, seeking Him every day in the Word of God, the waves of life can take me places I don’t want to be, into depression and hopelessness. The rocks of life—tough circumstances—can cause me to fall apart, or cut deeply into my effectiveness for God.

Last weekend, I was too busy to tether my life. My expectations were not in God (Psalm 62:5), but in my own abilities. Instead of waiting for Him to show me what to do in a confusing situation, I rushed on ahead. My confidence and hope were not in the Lord (Psalm 71:5; Jeremiah 17:7-8), but in my own skills and strength. When I failed big time, I sank into deep depression—a fog fueled by Satan’s lies. I lost all joy. The only way back was to cry out to God and admit my desperate need—not only for what He can do, but for who He is. He is the Creator; I am His created child. After I confessed my sins of pride and arrogant self-sufficiency, I spent time meditating in the scriptures and worshipping my God.

I keep forgetting that God gave us talents and abilities, and He wants us to use them well; but He doesn’t mean for us to become sufficient in ourselves. We were created by God to rely on Him not only for the things we need and the choices we make, but the very breaths we take. So, while I recognize God’s right to rule, I don’t always allow Him to rule. I’ve got to remember why that’s important, and not forget to tether my life.

What causes you to drift into your own way? When do you tend to become independent from God?

Comments

  1. This is just such a "right on time" post! I wish I could put into words what I'm feeling and thinking right now, but I can't. Thanks for posting this.
    posted by Ann
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 9:37 am
  2. Ouch!!! This one hurts...I have a very bad tendency to get very busy and leave God out of the picture. I don't mean to and I'm learning that I need to order my time and make sure that I spend time with God allowing Him to direct my steps. I've made some big "boo-boos" in my life and all of the time, I can trace them back to not spending time with the Lord.
    I'm learning (the hard way) that my most important time is that time that is spent with the Lord.
    Thank you for reminding me. I need reminders. God bless.
    posted by Jodi
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 9:43 am
  3. Distractions...when life gets too busy. I have to be very intentional to draw away to the quiet of my prayer closet. I do that each morning...but I know for the health of my soul, my intimacy with Christ, that I need extended time too; time without the deadline of having to get out of my closet to fix breakfast and start our school day.
    I tend to become independent from God when things are going well for me.
    posted by Vivian
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10:05 am
  4. This is a great post. I tend to drift when I do not spend time with my Savior through prayer and God's Word. He speaks to me everytime, so why do I let other 'things' distract me? is a good question for me. I want my 'delight to be in the law of the Lord meditating on it day and night.' Psalm 1:2
    Praying we all stayed tethered to Jesus.
    www.jodylynne.blogspot.com
    posted by Jody
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10:16 am
  5. I stand in shame. Because of not being tethered last week, I have six incomple projects that I have to finish today or I will fall into a state of hopelessness. I am overextended because I have taken on too much in order to help others. I did not sit still and listen for God's direction. But, I am tethered now! Thank you Paula, for publishing this piece today, right in God's timing.
    posted by Karyl
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10:20 am
  6. Thank you. Exactly what I needed to hear today.
    true woman
    posted by Carol
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10:42 am
  7. The answer to everything in life is to learn to "fall in love with Jesus." It seems everything falls into place and uncertainty becomes clear when that is the highest priority; and it can only be accomplished when we are 'tethered' daily to the Word and the Lord in communion. Thank you for this reminder and picture. The timing is perfect.
    posted by Julia
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10:51 am
  8. Wow this was timely. My husband just began a new position in ministry in a wonderful church. God has opened so many doors for us to be here and has showed His faithful hand in many places where things looked impossible to us. We are so excited to be a part of a church where the Word of God is central and is a filter for all of life, and that is being taught thru sermons, studies etc. Right now though our house has still not sold, being on the market since April. We are temporarily living with a family here until that happens. We have lowered the price and contunually do so. God opened so many doors for us to be here and right now financially we are wondering how we are going to be able to do this. I have homeschooled our children and we have always had that conviction with me being at home. Over the past weeks as i surrender all my plans and desires to the Lord, i have begun to consider working and or putting the kids in school. I have felt so much confusion in all of this and my husband doesnt have a total peace yet about it either. My nights have been sleepless. Last nite as i was falling asleep, Scriptures were going thru my head and i was praying. I kept praying Lord i so need your help and guidance. He reminded me that He is not a God of disorder but of peace. All i have felt is disorder in the last few weeks. Even though i spend time with Him, I am not abiding with Him each moment as these issues arise thru the day. So I began to wonder if we are trying to solve things ourselves in our own wisdom. I want to be obedient to whatever it is the Lord has for us. If it means me needing to get a job after being blessed for 14years to stay home, to help us financially right now, I want to be obedient. I just have so many questions. But your devotion today was so timely. I will be reflecting on these Scriptures today. I want to "wait" on Him and not rush ahead with solving things the way i think they may need to be solved. I want to be His and surrender though to Him knowing that whatever it is it will be for His glory and renown!

    THank you for your devotion today and sharing with us! THank you for the reminder to abide in Him and moment by moment seek Him in His word and thru constant communion with Him.
    posted by Debbie
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 12:33 pm
  9. Thank you for being so transparent, Paula. I am reminded that being tethered to God is for my own safety.
    posted by Esther-Elaine
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 1:27 pm
  10. Hi Paula,

    This was perfect for me today. The Lord has shown me evidences of "drifting" (just the word I used) from Him recently, even when I hadn't realized it. He used godly counsel to get me back on track.

    The teaching we had yesterday had for its text Mt. 9:28, where I found that phrase again, "Yes, Lord" (reminded me of the white hankies, of True Woman '08, of surrender). The Holy Spirit has been working on me about whether I am really surrendered, and am trusting Him with the details of my life and those of my loved ones.

    I think it has been emotions and my own reasoning that has at times caused me to drift; and, at times, not getting godly counsel when I need it. Though I am (usually) daily in the Word and prayer, I need to be sure I am saying "Yes, Lord", and living it out in my life.

    Yes, I need to be tethered to the Lord in all my ways; I praise Him for His mercy in my life.

    In His love,
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 3:13 pm
  11. P.S. The Jeremiah scripture mentioned above (17:7-8) was one of the scriptures qutoed in the teaching I heard yesterday. I know the Lord is speaking to me. Thank you, Paula, Nancy, ROH, for being led of the Lord! I am so thankful He speaks to us!!
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 3:24 pm
  12. What a great post. Self sufficiency and perfectionistic tendencies keep me adrift. Oh, to remember that I can do nothing--NOTHING!--apart from Him! Even the air I breathe is a gift of His grace! Thanks for the wisdom and challenge to remain tethered to the Rock...
    lisa-writes.blogspot.com
    posted by Lisa writes...
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 5:00 pm
  13. Great message. I tend to become independent from God when I'm not spending concentrated time soaking in His Word. It has become my number one priority each morning to spend time in the Word of God and prayer. However, there are moments when my mind drifts or I spend too much time stressing over problems that I'm not soaking in His Word. I'm just going through the motions. It is then that the enemy has the opportunity to get a foothold. So I pray for the Lord to focus my mind on Him and not circumstances.
    posted by Maria
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 9:42 pm
  14. Oh boy, did this speak to my heart! I have been struggling lately with going my own way and drifting into rough waters. Thank you for sharing your heart with us Paula. God bless you.
    posted by Cris
    on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 10:56 pm
  15. God has allowed me to cross paths with a woman who does not know Him. I have become anxious about what to say and what not to say, etc. This word today is a reminder that I have made His yoke heavy and burdensome, which occurs anytime we become self-sufficient or drift away from truth. It is God who calls us to Himself. It is God who reveals Himself to us. I will continue to pray for this woman and keep my eyes on the Father as Jesus did in His ministry. God will show me the way. Thank you for this word.
    posted by Melissa
    on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 10:02 am
  16. Thank you for the word.It came at the right moment in my life,when all else seems to have failed.I have not been praying,hence drifting so very far away from God.All my trust,I had put in men but when i read what you wrote,I realised that I have to come back home.God is my Father and my supplier.I am can never be self sufficient.My husband's job is at stake but I never went on my knees and asked God for help.I realise I have to be tethered.
    Thank you so much for this word.It has made me see things clearly now.
    posted by vhenekai
    on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 10:28 am
  17. This came just in time for me this morning. Last week I lost my dear sweet sister-my best friend. Jesus took her to be with Him. She was ready. I was getting to the point of accepting God's will in this situation and then another obstacle came. This time I forgot that all I had to do was talk to my Saviour and He would take care of it for me. Seeking His guidance and asking His help is the only answer to staying tethered. He has His own way to answer prayer. Just wait on Him.

    Thank you for this wonderful piece. It has blessed my heart.

    Posted by ncl
    Wed. Nov.4, 2009 at 1:15 PM
    posted by Norma Lane
    on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 1:14 pm
  18. so many times in life we do this
    early this week i was going through my devotional it challenged me to rely on God even when i do not understand to trust and rely on God
    without God am nothing.
    my husband lost his job and i have tried to rely in God through all this time, sometimes it gets ao hard i feel like if we have to do something.
    i have an infant and its about time i go back to work and sometimes i gey scared, will my salary be enough to support my family. i know my God is great, throughout this time we have never lacked. God is faithful so faithful. Father, i surrender it all to you.
    You are awesome, you are great, you are faithful.Father my provider
    I commit my family, our dreams, our plans and our hopes unto your able hands.
    father mould us to always rely on you
    at all times father, may we love you that we wanna share all our hopes
    our fears
    our everything with you
    Thankyou for ROH ministries and all their bloggers.
    Father they have been a blessing to our lives.
    Bless them dear Lord, Bless them abundantly. In Jesus name, Amen
    posted by J
    on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 8:06 am

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