This bright new day is a gift from God!
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord hath made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
The too-common feeling of being overwhelmed: Another day, another thousand things to do! Panic begins. I want to rejoice but I can’t because I am too overwhelmed by the mountain range of responsibilities that comprise my life. Doing all I need to do this day seems impossible. My list is long, my schedule full, my calendar booked. People, commitments, deadlines, housework, errands, needs - my list seems endless. Life is crowded, complex, and challenging. There is always so much to do. Anyone with me?
Mt. 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
I am only as busy as I allow myself to be.
I have 24 hours to do my things just like everyone else does.
God will never give me more than I can do!
THE PROBLEM IS ME.
I’m studying a book “Loving God with All Your Mind”
by Elizabeth George
I’m studying a book “Loving God with All Your Mind”
by Elizabeth George
and here are some things I have found to be very helpful.
Prepare in the evening for the next day.
Prepare in the morning; set the tone for the day.
Mark 1:35 “..in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out to a lonely place, and was praying there.”
Mark 1:37 “…everyone is looking for you.” Jesus’ time was demanded by many. Do I ever feel like everyone is looking for me? Depending on me? Clamoring for my time?
Mark 1:38 Jesus told the disciples “…let us go somewhere else and preach.”
He was not controlled by the crowds and demands. He had obtained His orders for the day and obeying them took priority of the seemingly urgent needs of the crowds. It is easy for us to fall into the trap of other people’s plans for us and the tyranny of the urgent. In his quiet time along with God before the sun rose, Jesus acquired His focus for the day and let it shape His plans.
Guideline #2: Plan Ahead
With long-range planning, we can break large projects into day-sized pieces, an approach which can keep us from feeling overwhelmed by the ultimate goal. “Eat your elephant one bite at a time.”
Make lists!
As I prepare and plan, I need to also be praying!
Audibly pray: “Lord, today I give myself anew to you.”
Give God the things in my life- my home, my possessions, my time, my body, my mind.
Give God the people in my life - my spouse, my children, my family members, my friends.
God is all wise, all powerful, loving, and able to take care of the people as well as the things in my life. I need to acknowledge His ability, and when I do, I experience His peace. All of these are His to do with as He likes.
Give God my schedule. Committing my plans to God helps me fight the battle against impulsiveness and laziness. It helps me be more sensitive to His leading and to do something other than what I planned. Although I have a plan, I want God’s will for my life. I therefore hold loosely and stand ready to defer to what He would have me during the course of the day.
Ancient wisdom reminds me that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
As I proceed in faith and obedience, keeping my focus on today and expecting to see God at work in my life along the way, and amazing thing happens. I find that, whatever the challenge, task, trial, crisis, or interruption, God provides for me!
Whatever happens, God provides wisdom.
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Whatever happens, God provides His strength.
Phil. 4:13 “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Deut. 33:25b “…your strength will equal your days.”
II Peter 1:3a “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness…”
Whatever happens, God will provide all I need.
Phil. 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Step out today in trust as I walk through this day with the Lord.
Not a day will go by without me experiencing His care.
Preparing, planning, praying, and proceeding
enable us to experience God’s provision for s
amid the practical details of daily living.
Today really is a bright, new gift from God.
I can and will rejoice and be glad in it!
No comments:
Post a Comment