At times in life we all need someone to look over our shoulder, to see the inconsistencies in our thoughts, words and actions, and to speak to us honestly when they see a concern in our life to which we may be blind.
These people are true friends, especially when they dispense their observations in a loving and kind manner. I love to be nurtured in this way. In fact, my best friends are those who are honest and helpful to me by speaking the truth to me in love.
Every worthwhile endeavor in life takes time, energy and effort. Our walk with the Lord is much the same. We have to strive to enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:11); and then He takes over our perfecting efforts, and we simply need to learn to obey and to walk in His Spirit (Galatians 5:15-25).
Sometimes, we want to scream about the wasted time, the extra mess to clean up, the inconvenience, the rudeness, etc. that we encounter. However, changing our focus from anxiety and irritation to patiently waiting on the Lord in each circumstance helps us to enter into His rest.
God uses these opportunities for us to walk in patience in order to perfect us (James 1:4). Once we see His guiding hand in each instance, every situation that we encounter is another blessing in disguise. We can entirely trust in His goodness and grace for us during everything that comes against us.
We can make a list of our responsibilities and goals for the day; however, seeking the Lord’s direction and timing for each one of them allows our day to flow more smoothly (Proverbs 3:5-6). We think more on positive aspects (Philippians 4:8), and our heart fills with gratitude for His continual intervention.
We work in the order of His importance, rather than our own - leaving some things for later or tomorrow as He directs. Each chore is more enjoyable, and every decision is more filled with His wisdom. God makes everything work out for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
Prayer:
Father God, help us not to overload our expectations of our self for the day, but to walk in Your Spirit’s direction for each and every task we perform. Help us to rely on Your wisdom, timing and advice in accomplishing each action. Remind us to minister to our self, as well as to everyone else You bring into our path (Matthew 22:39) - nothing lavish or expensive or sinful, but fulfilling to our soul – our thoughts, emotions and choices.
This way we do not assume that others will meet our needs, and we have less resentment and fewer frustrated expectations. Our body and spirit will respond in health and maturity in the same measure that our soul prospers (3 John 1:2). We feel less like a slave to our life, and more like Your fulfilled child instead. Remind us that when we look forward to each new day in Your service, we have more peace and joy, as well as more love to share with others.
Thought for the Day:
Walking in God’s presence each step of every day will guarantee our satisfaction as an individual and our obedience to the direction of God’s Spirit; then, even in what seems like the most inconsequential aspects of our day, we find great purpose, contentment and fulfillment.
