WHAT DOES GOD WANT

As Christians cycle through sessions of obedience and disobedience to God's commands, insecurities concerning salvation often rise to the surface. Those with troubled souls desperately look for a resting place, only to find that guilt and shame exist in every corner. 

No matter how disciplined and strong-willed a believer is, 'righteousness' slips through his fingers. It becomes painfully obvious that his efforts do not bring peace ... for the carnal mind is hostile toward God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:7-8)

Through tears of frustration comes the stripped-down plea that the Lord has been waiting for ... What is it You want from me? 

His answer is quite simple. The Lord wants YOU ... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1) 

A 'right-standing' with God comes through identifying with His Son's death, burial, and resurrection ... I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

• 'Internal transformation' brings you into fellowship with God ... We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)

• 'External religiosity' is a vanity-plagued, fruitless endeavor ... on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:28)

True service and holiness are the outworking of the Holy Spirit, an 'overflowing' that brings glory to God. As empty vessels used for that purpose, we can't claim credit ... He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3)

So ... What does God want from you?

David came to the right conclusion ... You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17)

When you come to the throne of grace that way, the weight of responsibility is lifted off your shoulders and onto Christ's. Allow Him to be Lord over your walk of faith.