God is NOT our Drill Sergeant
Cheers to my mom and dad’s hardcore belief in life. I was an unexpected baby (not to God, but to mom and dad). It had been 12 years since their last child, but mom was in a trainwreck that upset her “apple cart”, rather, her birthing cart. All the biological factors came together and whoa-la, here came Donna Sue! At first, I wasn’t a welcomed surprise. Mom was older and done with being a baby manufacturer, but God wasn’t done and if she were alive, she’d tell you I was her blessing. We were besties, inseparable, and eventually, I became her caregiver.
Once mom grasped the notion that I was a blessing and not a curse, she loved me with all her heart. God created a unique path for my life. You, too, — even before your conception. In Jeremiah 1:5, God said, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a believer and lover of God, too. If you’re not, I pray this is the day you join me on the most remarkable journey.
Maybe you resist a tight relationship with God and even sometimes see Him as a Drill Sergeant who requires a certain way to stand, act, dress, speak and “YES SIR”! I promise to seek You more, read my Bible more. I’ll reach out to others more!” What if in our trying so hard to please God, we were going about it the wrong way? We were making it a routine, a drill, a rigid, religious exercise that once we completed the tasks, we had completed our requirements, because, of course, that’s what a good Christian does — right?
One day, I realized God wasn’t my drill sergeant yelling at me to “Get up! Get going! Give me 10 (push-ups)!” Oh, I know He gave us some pretty strong commands with the 10 Commandments. But are they really commands or God’s love language to keep us out of trouble with a life of blessing when we follow them?
This is how I know Him. He shows up in the softness of a gentle breeze, or a big hug from a fellow believer or a worship song, or scripture that pops off the thin page of my Bible that was “right on” and what I needed for that day. That has been the ebb and flow of our relationship — Father and daughter.
I am confident when He says “yes” or “no” to me, it is because He has my best interests at heart. My relationship with Him is a built-in, 24-hour open-shop. I truly want to please Him out of a thankful heart – not because I am afraid He’ll show up barking out commands to me. He only shows up with tenderness, care and love.
Our relationship is so natural. I’ll hear His voice to correct me and I’ll utter: “Forgive me, Lord, for thinking that!” Or when I need advice, He is there and gives it to me: “Thanks, God, for that advice.”
Perhaps with a lifetime focus on God being like a drill sergeant, it has taken you away from knowing a God of compassion, love, peace and comfort. Change that thinking today. He says: “Come.” His arms are open wide for a good heart-to-heart talk with His beloved child. Go ahead. Crawl up into His lap and let Him mend your broken heart, soothe your weary soul and wipe away your tears. No. He is not a drill sergeant. He is your loving Father Who longs for you to come home.
“But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15