Sam I Am

God has told his people, “Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.” But they would not listen. Isaiah 28:12

Green Eggs and Ham is a classic children’s book written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss. The main characters are Sam-I-am and the protagonist who is never named. Most of us know this delightful story. Published in August of 1960, well over seven million copies have been sold and the story has never gone out of print! The story is about role reversal – a child-sized character makes a grown-up eat something that he doesn’t want to, and the grown-up discovers he likes it.

As children of God we oftentimes live our lives as the grown-up who resists change because, well after all, we are the grown-ups. We say we are seeking the Lord for His advice but all too often what that looks like is; “Blah, Blah, Blah, Yadda, Yadda, answer me now, Amen.” It is so easy to be tempted to speak, act and move in our own strength and reasoning while still thinking we are seeking the Lord. We trade that quiet place of reflection for the clamor of noise Satan twirls around in our head.

Here is a simple tool to help you remember what to do before you make decisions in life. Apply the S.A.M. I AM principal. Before you speak, act, or move, seek the Great I AM.

Before you Speak: It is tempting to barge into the presence of God and talk, talk, talk never giving Him a word in edgewise. Try to practice silence before Him. It is okay to speak, the Lord desires we do so, but not at the exclusion of listening. Still yourself before Him and you will be amazed at what your Lord has to say. “The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” (Habakkuk 2:20)

Before you Act: It is easy for us to have a knee-jerk reaction to things. All too many time we react in the moment and end up regretting and repenting for our actions. When faced with decisions in life learn to patiently wait upon the Lord before taking immediate action. “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (Psalm 130:5)

Before you Move: Impatience and fear can oftentimes compel us to move forward in a direction that the Lord does not want us to go. We are so anxious for a result that we push past the circumstances having never quieted ourselves long enough to let the Lord speak. Before you move forward, listen. The Lord longs to direct your steps, however, instead of Him shouting into your busyness, let Him speak into your silence. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I admit that I am all too quick to speak, act and move in my own power. I become impatient for results and get ahead of You. Teach me to sit at your feet, to still my heart as You steady my soul. I will wait on You Lord, for Your ways are not my ways. In Jesus’s Name, I rest. Amen.