Who's the Boss?

"He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape.

He will gain control of the treasures...."

Daniel 11:42-43a

What is gaining control of your treasures?

Last night, just before turning off the computer and heading to bed I was visiting a blog of a dear friend who had experienced a hectic few days with unexpected illness in her extended family, along with all the other challenges of being a wife and mother. As she began to inform the reader of her absence from this "bloggy world", she wrote, "These blog posts can begin to feel like such pressure!!"

Her confession immediately hit a sensitve nerve with me. I am all to familiar with the pressure to maintain the expected. I too often allow other's opinions to dictate my agenda. I want to have time for it all - and do it all well, but at what expense?

What has control over your life today? What is causing you to feel pressured? Where are you sensing the heavy hand of oppression? What has become too powerful and important, robbing you from other activities, stealing joy and replacing freedom with guilt? It could be your position, materialism, money, pleasure, consuming thoughts, a goal, a dream, an unfulfilled dream, acceptance, technology, an addiction, _______ (you fill in the blank). Ask yourself, What is taking preeminence over family, church, friends, and my quiet rest with my Lord? What currently is receiving the focus of my time and attention? As the verse above warns, do not allow it to gain control of the treasures in your life...the treasures of relationship, surrender and more of Christ.

Remember, God's yoke is easy and His burden is light.