And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

(2 Samuel 23:15-16)

 

It seems as if at times, in order to be a living sacrifice, one must surrender that which he or she especially longs for.

 

It’s the “thing” that carries your utmost affection and deepest heart desire. The thing that if not kept in check would weigh more in the palm of your hands than the Lord Himself.

 

The person, place, or thing that has crawled upon the throne and slid The Christ down a notch in your heart becomes a hindrance rather than a help.

 

There can be no dream had if it has not been yielded entirely to the King.

 

So often I’ve been asked by God to give back that which might be most significant to my heart. At times, I wept as I handed it over. Cried in anguish as my heart tore in two. It would become quite apparent in all the dramatic emotions that it had become some kind of idol, higher in my heart than Jesus.

 

For a season He would tuck it away in His bosom until my life did become once again a living sacrifice whereby He claims all rights to everything and indeed the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.

 

It best be something ordered right and righteously so that Christ is the prize and nothing, or no one, else.

 

Whatever you are unable to give up should the Lord ask for, it might be in too high of a position in your heart.

 

Let us remain with fully open hands before the Lord, knowing that all we have been given is merely on loan.