Freedom from the Mud
Trying to escape the mud of self-effort only digs us deeper, but Jesus pulls us free into new life.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ray Stedman invites us to consider the root of our struggles: the desire to seek great things for ourselves. Drawing from Jeremiah 45, he explains that this longing to claim glory that belongs to God leads to pious deceit, misdirected blame, and secret fear. We might try to correct these tendencies through our own efforts, only to find ourselves sinking deeper. Stedman reminds us that the only remedy is found at the cross and resurrection of Jesus. At the cross our old self is put to death, and in Jesus' resurrection we receive new life. Our healing does not come from striving to fix ourselves, but from accepting the finished work of Jesus.
Stedman illustrates this point with a story from near Watsonville, California, where a creek named Salsi Puedes—meaning “get out of it if you can”—is lined with quicksand. Many years ago, a man fell into the quicksand, and another shouted those unhelpful words. Stedman likens this to our efforts to free ourselves from the grip of the flesh. We may try to save ourselves by striving harder, but it is like trying to escape quicksand by flailing. Only the cross of Jesus can uproot the old nature and plant new life in its place.
Stedman draws on Jeremiah’s confession that “the way of man is not in himself” and the wisdom of Proverbs urging us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding. He explains that our hearts deceive us. If we follow our own desires, we end up trapped. When we bring our failures and desires to God, He reminds us that our flesh was put to death at the cross. We can then rely on Jesus' resurrection life and trust His Spirit to lead us through. Stedman invites us to abandon the pursuit of self-glory and instead lean wholly on the wisdom of God’s Word.
We can thank Ray Stedman for this vivid reminder that self-effort cannot save us. He points us away from a life of striving and toward a life of surrender. His words encourage us to trust that in Jesus, our flesh has already been overthrown and we are free to live by His power. This message warms the heart with hope, inviting us to step out of self-reliance and into the joy of resting in Jesus' finished work.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
Beloved, do you see the root of the turmoil within you? It is not the circumstances around you but the inward desire to make a name for yourself. This longing draws you into quicksand, and no human effort can free you. But I have already dealt with the old nature at the cross. Your old self was crucified with Jesus, and now you live in Him. The life that flows in you is His resurrection life.
Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not lean on your understanding or your own strength. When you face the pull of anger or ambition, bring your desires to Me. Acknowledge your need, and remember that I have put the flesh to death. You are a new creation. Old things have passed away. I am your wisdom, your strength, and your life.
As you turn from self-effort, you will find the freedom you long for. I will direct your paths. My grace is sufficient, and My power is perfected in your weakness. Depend on Me, and I will lead you through temptation. I am your refuge. In Me you will find rest for your soul.
Scripture References: Jeremiah 45:4-5; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 8:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-10; Psalm 91:1-2; James 1:2-4; Philippians 4:13; John 15:4-5; 1 Peter 1:3-5.
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine your car stuck in deep mud on a rainy day. You press the accelerator harder, but the wheels spin and dig deeper. You rock the car back and forth, throw down sticks and stones, and still you sink. Finally, a tow truck arrives. The driver attaches a sturdy chain, tells you to put the car in neutral, and pulls you free with power you do not have. You could never have rescued yourself. In the same way, our self-effort only entrenches us further. The cross and resurrection of Jesus are like that tow truck’s strong pull; they lift us out of the mud of the flesh and set us on solid ground.
When you feel mired in frustration or self-centeredness, pause and turn to Him. You might whisper, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment.” Instead of spinning your wheels by trying harder, yield the situation to His Spirit. He will express His patience and wisdom through you, whether you are facing a difficult conversation at work, dealing with a strained family relationship, or resisting the temptation to blame others. Let Him pull you out of the mud and onto the path of freedom.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that You have already dealt with my flesh at the cross and given me new life in Your resurrection. I confess that I cannot free myself by striving. I rejoice that You are my wisdom and strength. I rest in Your complete provision and trust You to lead me through every challenge. Thank You for pulling me out of the mud and setting my feet on Your sure path.