I have
a list. It is not a
physical list, but
it is very real. You
likely have one
too. This list consists of
my worries, concerns
and things I would like to see changed for myself and others.
The problem with
this list is
that it never ends. Even
when some of
the huge things at the top of the list get taken care of, new
problems are
added. As well, focusing
on this list
leaves me anxious and frustrated because I have little or no
control over most
of it. Then, because I am
focusing on my
problems and just reacting to them, I become even more angry and
frustrated and
the cycle continues.
Then one day, I read
Psalm
119:148 which says, “My eyes stay open through the watches of the
night, that I
may meditate on your promises”. That
verse surprised me because when people are wide awake in the
middle of the
night they are not normally thinking about God’s word. However, that is the answer! That is how we break the
cycle!
We need to replace
our worries,
fears and uncertainty with the assurances of God. We need to fill our minds
with his realities,
reminders and hope so that we start to see God’s possibilities
rather than just
our problems. We need this
better list so
that we are reminded that God is still at work in and through us.
It may seem
old-fashioned, but
there is no substitute for knowing the word of God. It needs to be stored in our
minds and
written on our hearts. Fortunately,
this
task is easier than ever before. You
can
get apps that will send a Bible verse to your phone every day. Sites such as “The Bible
Project”
(thebibleproject.com) have short, engaging videos that teach the
Bible in interesting
ways. You can sign up for
podcasts that
discuss specific books or ideas. You
could even study and share ideas with other people right in your
hometown. In fact, you
would be welcome in our group any
time.
Proverbs 20:24 tells
us that, “A
person’s steps are directed by the Lord!”
If that it true, then I need to tear up my list of worries
and become much
more acquainted with what God is doing.
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