Seek the Shepherd this Full Wolf Moon

Tonight is the first full moon of 2020. It’s called the Full Wolf Moon. When you look up and gaze outside, if the skies are clear, you will see its illumination. In Michigan, however, it is foggy, making the moon not visible.

Even though I’ve had opportunities to witness full moons hundreds of times, I’m still amazed each time I do! I now review the moon phase schedule to see when the next full moon will occur so I can plan to have the experience. Like clockwork, the experience is delivered, if the conditions are right. The cycle occurs, and is predictable, whether you can see the moon or not.

I like the predictability of the moon phases. Similarly, some of us long for predictability in the phases of our lives because it can provide a sense of assurance and comfort. We think if we do a specific action, or don’t do it, a known outcome will occur. Seems very safe...until an unexpected result happens! But, is it safe to attempt to control outcomes in your life? My experience is no.

I spent the majority of my life trying to control it. I did what I thought were the right things to meet the goals I had for myself. I kept very rigid to my plan to gain my desired outcome. I was living what I believed was a very safe and predictable life. I would rationalize that because I did this action or that action, I deserved a certain outcome. When things didn’t go as planned, it would be devastating to me; I mainly went to God when this happened or when I did the things I knew were not right and needed His help.

In the last year, God has shown me that me providing my own sense of safety through my own plan was me saying that I’m my own protector, except when I goofed up and needed His help. When I really analyzed it, I realized I was putting myself in a category with God, thinking I could direct the trajectory of my life. I definitely did not think I was trying to play God, but my actions showed otherwise. This was dangerous because I’m extremely flawed like all humans! My life in my own hands would surely lead to disaster!

I had an epiphany as I started reading the Word more! I was trying to obtain great things in my life. I wanted to be successful, hence, victorious. God says He has already given us the victory through His Son, Jesus Christ. “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John‬ ‭5:4-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬) So, why would I not go to Him, the giver of this victory, for all things?!?!? It makes no sense not to!

Because God is so good, He has been patient with me as I learned that I need Him to protect me always! “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” (2 Samuel‬ ‭22:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬) He forgave me of my arrogance with His amazing grace! “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results...yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

So now, I know to look to God for everything! And every time I look to Him, no matter how many times, I’m amazed by His love for me! I go to Him all day, every day, to have the experience of His peace when I obey His commands. “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” (Psalms‬ ‭91:1-2‬ ‭NLT)‬‬ The experience is always delivered! I don’t have to wait for a certain date in a cycle like I have to for the full moon. There aren’t any required conditions. He is always there, even when life feels foggy and things aren’t clear.

My life is now full of assurance and comfort because I know it will end in victory through my salvation. I’m free from the bondage of trying to control the path of my life in my own works and strength. This is a freedom you can only achieve by the blood of Jesus Christ. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John‬ ‭10:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

I invite you to become saved if you are not. “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans‬ ‭10:9-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

If you are saved, I invite you to surrender your life to the Lord. “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬) 

Be blessed! For more inspiration, subscribe at boldfullmoon.com!