Not I, But Christ

My mom gave me this great daily devotional, Jesus Calling, that's written as if Jesus were speaking to His followers and advising them on how to love Him, serve Him, and find true joy in Him.  I've been encouraged and challenged by many of the entries, including this one:

To live in My presence consistently, you must expose and expel your rebellious tendencies.  When something interferes with your plans or desires, you tend to resent the interference.  Try to become aware of each resentment, however petty it may seem.  Don't push those unpleasant feelings down; instead, let them come to the surface where you can deal with them.  Ask My Spirit to increase your awareness of resentful feelings.  Bring them boldly into the light of My presence, so that I can free you from them.

The ultimate solution to rebellious tendencies is submission to My authority over you.  Intellectually you rejoice in My sovereignty, without which the world would be a terrifying place.  But when My sovereign will encroaches on your little domain of control, you often react with telltale resentment.

The best response to losses or thwarted hopes is praise: The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.  Remember that all good things - your possessions, your family and friends, your health and abilities, your time - are gifts from Me.  Instead of feeling entitled to all these blessings, respond to them with gratitude.  Be prepared to let go of anything I take from you, but never let go of My hand!