Learning to Ride a Bicycle

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding' in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

I could hear their little voices as I trotted along behind them making our way across the cul-de-sac. Their daddy and I working hard at calling out the directions of how to stay upright on their bicycles. As I think back on these days I can remember thinking, "This is just another step in parenthood of 'letting go'."

Dana would repeat "trust me", "I've got you", "I won't let you go until I know you're ready". As I clapped and cheered and encouraged them to, "watch where you're going", and "don't let go". Seeing them big eyed and smiling from ear to ear as they learned to trust their daddy and then balance on their own, ultimately letting go of the back of that bike to watch as they rode away, delighted in their accomplishment.

Isn't this scripture in comparison to learning to ride a bike? We are that child on the bike and God is the ever present, watchful, guiding parent. But the key to success is not balance, speed, physical strength, coordination or maturity, it is first trust. We know God's hand is on us; we know it by His momentum that we pick up enough speed to stay steady. And we trust that He will not release us from His grip unless He is convinced that we are ready to ride. Having the faith that when we fall, He is there to pick us up.

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." (Ps. 37:3)

When we trust in the Lord we can fully submit to His ways and place our life in His hands. Building trust with God is accomplished in much the same way that we learn to trust people, except that He is perfect and people are not. As we deepen our relationship with the Lord we release more of ourselves to Him, which is where He wants us to be.

"The difference is that a relationship with God is not entirely like our other relationships. He does not simply want a part or portion of us, He wants all of us. He wants the firstfruits of our time, access to all areas of our hearts, and full reign over all our decisions. His requests are not too grand; He wants nothing more than what He has already given, which is everything." -Kristin Armstrong

When we give ourselves to God all other relationships take their proper position. It isn't normal or healthy for another person to have full reign over us, especially when we have given that position to our heavenly Father.

I love you & He loves you more!

Dear Lord, I desire a closer relationship with You. Help me to trust You more. I believe in You, help my unbelief. Help me to let go and let You take up the whole of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.