This devotional hit my inbox this morning, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. As a designer, I spend a lot of time creating things… building my own little world of beauty that communicates what I want it to. In many ways, it gives me a lot of power, control over the things I envision. But it can also cause problems — when things outside of my control don’t go the way I want, my attitude can get out of whack. This poem by Paul David Tripp is the perfect reminder about Who is in charge, and why.
I was not designed
to be on my own
to author my own story
to compose my own rules
to live with me in the center.
I was not designed
to look for life outside of You
to treasure the creation
to love people, places, and things
more than You.
I was not designed
to rely on my wisdom
to trust my imagination
to rely on my thoughts
to ignore Your revelation.
I was not designed
to follow the path of my craving
to be enslaved to my desires
to be ruled by my passions
more than I am by You.
I was not designed
to put created things in Your place
to look to the creation
to fulfill the longings
that only You can fulfill.
I was not designed
to live for the moment
to ignore what is forever
to covet what belongs to others
forgetting I’ve been given You.
I was not designed
to question Your goodness
to bring you to the court of my judgment
to be bitter in my assessment
of the things You do.
I was not designed
to let my heart fill with envy
to be constantly accounting
to be jealous and untrusting
instead of resting in You.
I was not designed
to forget that Your right hand holds me
to ignore your good counsel
to not see that You’re with me.
I was not designed
to think I am living
to ignore the evidence that I’m dying
to forget that we perish
when separate from You.
So I acknowledge this morning
it is good to be with You
to make you my sole refuge
to speak daily of your workings
Whom do I have but You?
I praise you for rescue
for always holding me near You
for owning my hearts desires.
My life is You.
By Paul David Tripp
https://www.paultripp.com/wednesdays-word/posts/i-was-not-designed
