Devotion #4: Do You Suffer From GNMHS?

I have a problem. For many years now, I have lived with a condition that causes great trouble for myself and others. However, my illness went undiagnosed and untreated for a very long time. To make matters worse, I was unaware of the effect it was having on my life. You see, I suffer from chronic God-Needs-My-Help-Syndrome (GNMHS). Allow me to explain. GNMHS is a spiritual condition that affects an individual’s beliefs and behaviors, inducing ill-fated attempts to accomplish the exclusive will and plans of the Sovereign Ruler of the universe solely through personal efforts and energies. 

Now, you might have guessed that GNMHS is not an actual medical condition. Nevertheless, if I were a betting man, I might wager that its description feels uncomfortably real.  

In his letter to the Romans, Paul examines the tension that each of us lives in regarding God’s completed work of salvation and our human relationship to it. As I reflect on my experience with GNMHS, I am reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 4:16-25. In this passage, Paul emphasizes that the promise of God to Abraham was not based on the Mosaic Law or on one’s ability to uphold it; rather, it depends solely on faith. 

When we look at the account of Abraham, we see a man who, despite his flaws and shortcomings, chose to trust in God’s promises. According to Romans 4:20-21, “No unbelief made him [Abraham] waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Abraham’s belief serves as an example to us that faith is not about what we can achieve through our own actions; rather, it is about surrendering to the truth of who God is and what He can accomplish. 

Do you struggle with GNMHS? If so, please understand that the consequences of “helping God” can be profoundly devastating. If you choose to operate under the belief that you must help God fulfill His will and plans, you may experience the following: fear, anxiety, anger, general uneasiness, and even resentment. These symptoms stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of your role in God’s redemptive plan. You may sometimes feel compelled to be the architect of your spiritual life when, in fact, you are invited to be a recipient of grace. 

So, how can one recover from GNMHS? First, you must acknowledge your need for God’s grace and recognize that none of us are called to labor under the burden of self-accomplishment. Instead, allow yourself to experience the fullness of God’s grace. As you trust in Him, you will become a vessel of God’s love and grace to others, set free to live in the light of His promise rather than the shadow of your own struggle. Today, seek the Lord with me and embrace the freedom that comes from believing in the One who is faithful.