Adelaide Pollard, born in 1862 in the US, had faithfully served God for many years through her gifts of teaching and writing. Her longtime desire, however, was to be a missionary in Africa. Finally the details were worked out and she was ready to set sail. But then, unexpectedly, she was forced to cancel her plans. Not being able to go left Adelaide disappointed and depressed. God spoke to her heart and she penned these words, “Mold me and make me after Thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still.” Her complete poem became the well-known hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.”
The prophet Jeremiah had also experienced depression over his circumstances as recorded in the book of Lamentations. He had seen Jerusalem destroyed by the Babylonians and God’s people placed under their harsh rule (Jeremiah 39:1-14, 52:12-14).
But, like Adelaide Pollard, instead of sinking deeper into sorrow, Jeremiah became yielded and still. He realized that his people had been sinning against God. That’s something Adelaide owned up to, as she acknowledged that “man’s own will is the basic sin he commits against God.” Through repentance and looking to God for guidance, both songwriter and prophet were able to see this truth: God is sovereign (Lamentations 3:37). It’s about His will, not our own.
Instead of complaining and becoming bitter (v.39), they wisely chose to examine their ways and “turn back to the Lord” (v.40). This is a wise formula for us to adopt when we face unexpected changes in our plans. As we seek God’s ways, not our own, we’ll find ourselves becoming quiet and still.
In time, the people of Judah were freed and rebuilt the city of Jerusalem. And, in time, Adelaide Pollard was permitted by God to minister for Him in Africa—yielded and still.
More:
O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You are the potter. We all are formed by Your hand (Isaiah 64:8).
Next:
How have I reacted to a recent change in my plans? What will I do to become yielded and still before God?
chiealvarez on October 16, 2009 at 2:19 am
Thanks for this devotional.
betts on October 16, 2009 at 5:56 pm
In this fast-paced world we live in, changes happen quickly & unexpectedly. Thank you for sharing this today. It is reassuring to know that He is always in control, especially when His plans for us are quite different than ours.
smdepaz on October 16, 2009 at 6:53 pm
i recently went through a similar experience recently.. this is a very nice reminder.. thanks for this,. indeed, we should always trust in his plans for God is too wise to be mistaken.. praise him!
pastorbigred on October 17, 2009 at 9:14 am
I find simple humility to be so illusive when it comes to submitting to God’s timing. Theologically, I trust Him to be both good & wise… practically, I usually just want my own way.