April, 2001

Trying must turn into dying to oneself. In our own strength we carry our own burdens which weigh us down, producing tension and a sore neck, a sore back etc. A proud man carries his head high, his back is straight holding up his own head. In victory he pumps his fists up into the air to esteem himself and bring honor to his own way. It is as if this posture is saying 'Look at me, am I not great-you can acknowledge my greatness (Pro 27:21).' His glory is short lived and he must win more battles of his own choosing in order to keep him afloat with more of man's praise and adoration. If he does not achieve his lofty goals designed to give him the recognition of men, he soon becomes a depressed has been.

A servant celebrates the victories of his King. He lives to serve and does not have an agenda of his own. In the presence of his King his posture is prostrate (Ps. 3:3). His head is horizontal, as is his back. His hands and arms are either extended horizontally or tucked under his face. In this posture the back is no longer supporting its' own head. The muscles are relaxed and submission is the goal. If we are to be a successful servant of the Lord we must learn to die and not try. We must not TRY to save our own lives, but loose (die) them.

A proud man, in victory, with his 2 fists clenched upward and his head held high has the profile of 3 mountains (2 fists and one head) and 2 valleys (2 shoulders). A servant bowing down before his King has the profile of a level horizon. We should choose to follow Him into the battles He chooses to fight and bow down before him to worship Him because of Who He is and the battle really will belong to the Lord. Could it be that when Gods love so fills our hearts as we surrender our will to His, this submitted posture refers to the verse that says he will raise up the valleys (the shoulders-our strength) and take down the mountains (our clenched fists and proud head)? In doing this we take upon our shoulders His yoke, which is easy and our fists open hands in worship as we surrender to His headship. The Holy Spirit is given free reign when we stop trying and start dying to our own will. Our prayer should be 'Slay me, fill me, cleanse me, and glorify yourself in me. Father, fill my heart with the same love You have for your Son, fill my heart with the affection of the Lord Jesus Christ so I might feel how deep Your love is, and fill me with the Joy of my salvation.'

How do we know who controls our lives? By the choices we make. We can either choose to run our own lives or ask God to take the reigns. A horse that is in rebellion will not allow the Master to place a bridle around his neck. A submitted horse will lower his head as low as he needs to in order for the Master to place a yoke upon him (Ps. 32:8-9). Are we picking our own battles and looking for the glory and adoration of men? If so pray that the Lord will show you the condition of your own heart, in order to live a submitted life. God love for us is without measure. His desire is for us to live an abundant life while on this earth. His desire is for us to stop trying and choose dying. Dying to our own will is a must. If we are not dead to our own will we will always be striving to produce our own agenda, which in the end we discover produces wood, hay and stubble.

Dave Dorroh
athisfeet@pdq.net