If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
My neighbor Tim has a figurine on his dashboard of a “wild thing” based on Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book Where the Wild Things Are.
Not long ago Tim was following me through traffic and made some abrupt moves to keep up. When we arrived, I asked, “Was that the ‘wild thing’ driving?”
The following Sunday I forgot my sermon notes at home. I “flew” out of the church to retrieve them, passing Tim along the way. When we met later, he joked, “Was that the wild thing driving?” We laughed, but his point hit home—I should have paid attention to the speed limit.
When the Bible describes what it means to live in a relationship with God, it encourages us to “yield yourselves unto God” (Romans 6:13). I took Tim’s response to me that day as a gentle reminder from God to yield my “lead foot,” because I am to give all of myself to Him out of love.
The question of “who’s driving?” applies to all of life. Do we let the “wild things” of our old sin nature drive us—like worry, fear, or self-will—or do we yield to God’s loving Spirit and the grace that helps us grow?
Giving in to God is good for us. Scripture says that God’s wisdom takes us down “ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17). Better to follow where He leads.
Loving Lord, thank You for the grace You give us to obey You, and the peace You give us as we stay near. Amen.
When I initially read this devotion I was going to pass it up but I felt a nudge to post it, I was hesitant as it was mentioning “wild things” but if we are honest we all have “wild things” in our lives that we must be open and honest with ourselves about and then turn them over to God, who is ever patient, loving, gentle and kind. Things may not be as you would like to see them but when we turn everything over to Him, He fills us with wisdom as today’s devotion says, that leads to pleasantness and peace. What God requires He also inspires. Follow where He leads, even if the path going the opposite direction looks much more inviting. Who’s Driving? He will never lead you astray.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 1:14
