Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Dont tell me what to do!!


I know there's a bunch of mom's out there... tell me, how does it go when you tell your children what to do.  Do you normally get a stomp of the foot, or a cross of the arms with a pouting face?  Or how about just being ignored completely?  That's always a good move I prefer to do myself....

Take it even into the adult world.  I HATE being told what to do - especially in areas I feel like I have it under control.  I'm doing my job, doing the things I've done for 17 years, I dont need help or reminders of what I need to do on a normal day....am I the only one in that? Probably not.... its childish, I'll admit, but I think its human nature.

After all, we are human & we DO feel like have control over situations. 

A big joke around our house, whenever I ask Ricky to do something, he'll do it (SOMETIMES) & he'll say out loud "Dont tell me what to do".... I'll do the same thing when he asks me to do something - just out of a funny habit, those are the words we'll say.

Then I read in Psalm 119:20, it says:

"My soul is starved & hungry, ravenous! - insatiable for your nourishing commands."

The picture of that verse in my mind is exactly opposite of what I think of how people take "commands".... Command is such a big word... as soon as I hear it, I instantly get my guard up with "Dont tell me what to do!" sitting on the edge of my tongue.

But looking again, I realize that its talking about the soul longing for commands... for GOD's commands!  We KNOW His commands and orders are going to be the perfect will for us... why wouldnt we want to do it?  But I think we STILL sometimes will look at God & tell him once again, "I've got this under control.  I dont need your help"

Can you imagine if your children came running to you asking, "mommy, what can I do next?  Please tell me!" - wouldnt it just make your day?  Wouldnt you want to give them orders & "commands" that would help them accomplish something?  

Can you imagine what God would feel like if we ran to him with the same question?  "Father, what can I do next?  Please tell me!"

I pray we all look at God's commands with a longing... ready for them to nourish us...

17 comments:

  1. Good thoughts girl.....something I need to ask the Father today, for sure.

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  2. Wow. What a great word!! I certainly don't like to be told what to do but reading that verse certainly puts things into perspective!!

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  3. Very well said, Rebecca! And yes, my girls often stomp their feet and roll their eyes when I ask them to do something...that they don't necessarily want to do. I do seek guidance from God on a daily basis. It's all about learning, growing...and hearing Him speak to our hearts.

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  4. Another awesome post Rebecca! You nailed it....and we all need to start asking God what He wants us to do.

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  5. Oh so true! I love this. As a mother, it will thrill me for my children to say that to me. I love this analogy.

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  6. What a revelation! I've been praying for God to tell us what he wants from us but not for him to tell us what to do. Wonder what kind of response I'll get when I change me question tonight. Thank you. Excited and a little scared about what his answer may be.

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  7. LOL, me and alex have the same type of situation. Whenever one of us asks the other to do something, the other will reply

    "You can't tell me what to do!"

    Then usually followed by

    "You can't tell me what kind of pizza to like!"

    That last one is a line from 30 rock. We crack up every time!

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  8. I don't know that I've ever noticed that verse before.

    I wonder if our souls yearn for commands because, ultimately, when we are told what to do (i.e. given direction), we gain a sense of peace.

    Look at kids. They think they want the freedom to do what they want, but in reality, they thrive in a routine.

    I've seen my son overwhelmed with academic situations that I've let him "manage." When I take the reins back, give commands on how to catch up, and watch him follow through, I can see visible signs of relief on his face and in his body language.

    There is such a peace in being told what to do. Ultimately, our souls yearn for the peace that accompanies a relationship in proper hierarchy with God (Him giving commands and us following).

    Anyhoo, those are my thoughts. Thanks for an inspiring post!

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  9. This was the perfect post for me to read today. Thanks so much for sharing it! I just now found your blog and I love it! I'm now a follwer!

    amy
    www.theprikazskys.com

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  10. My common refrain to my husband is "don't tell me what to think" - I hate it when he does that :D I prefer to do my own thinking!!!

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  11. What a great perspective!

    I have to admit, often Isabel does this for me. She is so helpful around the house, doing laundry, helping with the cooking and grocery shopping, and always with a cheerful heart. I learn from her positive attitude every day.

    I think I will start asking God this question every morning.

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  12. that is a wonderful post. I think if you listen to each other it will all work out too.

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  13. Most definitely. And THAT is why we must also teach our children to accept our commands.

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  14. Very thoughtful. We need to teach our children with lovely kindness and this post today inspired me.
    Mary

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