“May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”-Matthew 6:10

We don’t have to watch tv for very long or scroll through any kind of social media to quickly see advertising slogans such as “Have it your way. You rule.”, or “Because you’re worth it.”, or “I’m lovin it.”, or “What’s in your wallet.” These slogans and many others like it are catchy and are often very effective marketing tools. Why is that? Because they cater to ME, MYSELF, AND I. We are readily drawn toward things for ourselves. Now certainly it’s not evil to enjoy a burger the way we want it or to purchase something to our liking, but what is sinful is living a selfish life. And, in the end, it’s not fulfilling - it’s not even close to the fulfillment and joy we'll ultimately find in God’s plans and ways. No wonder part of what Jesus taught us in regards to prayer is the importance of learning to pray “May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” In other words, “Lord, Have Your way in all things, including in my life. For Your way is best.”

God is The Perfect Father. He knows all things. He loves perfectly, is ever good, and is for our good. God is much more capable than we are of comprehending and accomplishing what is best! Even when we don’t get it…and we often don’t fully understand His plans and ways. For example, God frequently uses problems and trials of many kinds (which we try to avoid at all costs) for our good (Romans 5:3-5). All this to say, in Matthew 6:10, Jesus taught us the invaluable lesson of surrender, of seeking His will over our own. It's significant to take note that Jesus Himself prayed this prayer of surrender when facing the excruciating death He would soon endure on the cross. Charles Spurgeon put it so well, saying, “He (Jesus) that taught us this prayer used it Himself in the most unrestricted sense. When the bloody sweat stood on His face, and all the fear and trembling of a man in anguish were upon Him, He did not dispute the decree of the Father, but bowed His head and cried, ‘Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’” Jesus trusted in the Father’s plan. So may we.

Let’s be reminded — “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension” (Psalm 147:5)! He alone is great! He alone has power that’s unstoppable. He alone is the only one who grasps EVERYTHING! So, might we joyfully surrender, often praying for His purposes to be done first and foremost. The sweet old hymn written by Judson W. Van DeVenter and its lyrics come to mind:

All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

Might we often pray, in regards to all kinds of things — "May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”

Cheer up, friends!

-Scott