"What It's Not"

It’s not in pretty horses,

Though I’ve had a few,

It’s not in hand-made saddles,

That cost a lot, it’s true.

It’s not in lots of pasture,

Though more, it would be nice,

It’s not in barns and fences,

At any given price.

It’s not in herds of cattle,

And a market strong on sell,

Not even when the cash flow,

Comes from a deep oil well.

It’s not in well-built houses,

Found in the right zip code,

It’s not in trucks or autos,

In which we drive or rode.

 It’s not in looking young and fit,

Though healthy’s a good thing,

It’s not in jewels or clothing,

Or the price of gifts we bring.

So what will make us happy,

Is it pleasures, fun and play,

Is it having adulation,

And the praise that people say.

Interesting that all these things,

Are blessings that can be,

But none can fill the emptiness,

Or cure loneliness you see.

What, then, is the answer,

Is it far beyond our reach,

And if not can we learn it,

If so, then who can teach.

The Creator grants His wisdom,

His word will make it clear,

That He has sent a Savior,

And if we choose to hear,

His Spirit will enlighten,

The hungry, humble heart,

And if we call upon Him,

He will do His part.

Jesus our Redeemer,

Who died and rose again,

Will fill our lives with meaning,

And save our souls from sin.

Life abundant and eternal,

Is the promise that is made,

To all of those who trust Him,

And receive the price He paid.

And if we will surrender,

And relinquish every right,

His peace will be given,

He’ll fill us with His light.

And we hold everything we have,

With open hand and grip,

Because it all belongs to Him,

In this earthly trip.

If Jesus is our everything,

And if we seek Him first,

He will satisfy our hunger,

And quench our deepest thirst.

Life becomes adventure,

And time becomes His plan,

The past is all forgiven,

And in His grace we stand.

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.” (Luke 9:24, NAS)

Jesus is talking about control here. Who is in control of our lives and who ought to be? Jesus tells us that if we retain control we lose out, but if we surrender control to Him, we win. This is simple, yet profound advice. The irony is that in letting go we gain everything that matters. And though the cost is the same for everyone, the actual experience of surrender will not be identical from person to person. That is because our possessions vary as well as our issues, and God knows how to personally deal with us. We start with total commitment and spend the rest of our lives refining it.

Lord, help us us lose our lives for You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.