Monday, August 30, 2010
Living One Day At A Time
British pastor Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, "Although is it very right to think about the future, it is very wrong to be controlled by it."
This quote really hit me hard this morning from John MacArthur's Strength for Today. I struggle in this area. I can easily get anxious about tomorrow...even the change of seasons does that to me. For example, lately my mind has been consumed by what we need for fall. Evie needs a couple of new fall dresses, tights, etc....Jack Henry will need some new khakis, long sleeve shirts, coats, and shoes. I can get all stressed and out of whack in my thinking about what I need to shop for to make sure my children and myself are clothed and prepared for cooler weather. My tendency is to work ahead. I am not a procrastinator at all, so I think ahead a lot and try to accomplish what I need to do way ahead of time. At times I have called it being organized, but in reality it is more a result from sinful anxiety and worry and not *feeling* good until it all gets done. Silly as it sounds there are a multitude of distractions and sinful worries that can consume a mom's mind and heart. I do realize it is wrong to worry, but in my weakness I catch myself doing just that.
I'm not even mentioning the deeper fears and worries I can struggle with.
The clothing issue is such a superficial worry, I realize that...Mike has said to me year after year...."Kim, it will not be cool/cold probably until late October or even November...it will all be fine". I realize he is right and try to RELAX about it. I must say that God has helped me have joy in the days that worry can so easily take over my thoughts.
God so graciously has been teaching me that worry causes a lack of joy, which is a sin,also. I miss the joy of a day that the Lord has given me because I am busy worrying about the what ifs that will probably never happen anyway. How silly of me! God gives us such glorious and blissful days and we so easily forfeit that joy for worry over the future. What a weak soul I have!
God gives us strength and grace for only one day at a time. He doesn't give us what we need until we need it. We can face what comes tomorrow because He will give the grace needed for that day.
The stores will have what we need later...today I will choose JOY!
This quote really hit me hard this morning from John MacArthur's Strength for Today. I struggle in this area. I can easily get anxious about tomorrow...even the change of seasons does that to me. For example, lately my mind has been consumed by what we need for fall. Evie needs a couple of new fall dresses, tights, etc....Jack Henry will need some new khakis, long sleeve shirts, coats, and shoes. I can get all stressed and out of whack in my thinking about what I need to shop for to make sure my children and myself are clothed and prepared for cooler weather. My tendency is to work ahead. I am not a procrastinator at all, so I think ahead a lot and try to accomplish what I need to do way ahead of time. At times I have called it being organized, but in reality it is more a result from sinful anxiety and worry and not *feeling* good until it all gets done. Silly as it sounds there are a multitude of distractions and sinful worries that can consume a mom's mind and heart. I do realize it is wrong to worry, but in my weakness I catch myself doing just that.
I'm not even mentioning the deeper fears and worries I can struggle with.
The clothing issue is such a superficial worry, I realize that...Mike has said to me year after year...."Kim, it will not be cool/cold probably until late October or even November...it will all be fine". I realize he is right and try to RELAX about it. I must say that God has helped me have joy in the days that worry can so easily take over my thoughts.
God so graciously has been teaching me that worry causes a lack of joy, which is a sin,also. I miss the joy of a day that the Lord has given me because I am busy worrying about the what ifs that will probably never happen anyway. How silly of me! God gives us such glorious and blissful days and we so easily forfeit that joy for worry over the future. What a weak soul I have!
God gives us strength and grace for only one day at a time. He doesn't give us what we need until we need it. We can face what comes tomorrow because He will give the grace needed for that day.
John MacArthur says in my devotional for today:
"If you have any questions about the future, look at the past. Did He sustain you then? He will sustain you in the future...Praise God for being the same yesterday, today, and forever."
The stores will have what we need later...today I will choose JOY!
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
6 Comments:
PS....I do realize that part of the job of a Proverbs 31 woman is to make sure her children are clothed in scarlet and ready for the cold...but the key is doing it all without anxiety/worry and trusting God. A lot of women handle that all very well...I just need to handle those times with complete trust and not worry. I didn't want anyone to think I was condoning not having what your children need and just being carefree to the point of not having anything done. ;>)
Amen!
Thank you Kim for yet another timely thought...this is exactly how I am. I call myself a planner but the reality is I can get very consumed with the "needs" of tomorrow and as you said forfeit the joy and opportunities to trust just in the day God has given. Such good reminders. Thanks again for sharing your heart.
I appreciate your reminder to be joyful in the present, today, and to trust our loving, ABLE Heavenly Father for tomorrow.:) Btw, another plus of shopping later in the season is the prices are lower. ;)
I needed this, Kim. I choose JOY today, too! Blessings!
Great post Kim...we sound so similar! :)
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