Just Take The Next Step
31 Mar 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: arthritis, Bridget Gazlay, chronic, Endometriosis, fibromyalgia, focus, future, goals, guidance, hopekeepers, IBS, illness, migraines, overwhelmed, pain, rest ministries, strength, worry
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed because of all the options, or the huge pile of things to get done, that you don’t do anything? I sure have, especially when I’m not feeling well. I keep thinking about what needs to get done and how tired I am, and I just can’t seem to get anything accomplished.
These are the times when I need to take a deep breath, pray about it, and ask God for help in figuring out where to start. It’s so easy to let the piles weigh us down though, especially if we are also looking ahead at what’s coming up. Scripture reminds us though, that we don’t even know what tomorrow will bring (James 4:14-15). So why do we focus so much on the future then?
We need to stay focused on today; set realistic goals (small enough to be achievable); set bigger dreams and visions (with God in mind); and prayerfully ask for God’s guidance on what daily assignments we NEED to get done.
If we stay in the past, we can’t move forward. If we focus on the future, we won’t get anything done today. But, if we focus on the “now”, we will be exactly where we need to be tomorrow. If we do what God asks us to do today, we will be ready for whatever is ahead.
Let God handle your concerns and worries. He alone knows what tomorrow will bring. Do what you can, with God’s strength, and let God take care of the rest. Or like my friend Barbara says, “Just take the next step. All the other ones will eventually be the next one!”
Prayer: Dear God, I am so tired and overwhelmed right now. Please help me figure out what I can do today, and what I can put off until tomorrow. Amen.
About the Author
Bridget Gazlay resides in the beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, arthritis and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric cards on the side. Bridget’s prayer is for readers who come across her writing or fabric cards to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: fabricards102@charter.net or www.pfccreations.com.
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Mar 31, 2010 @ 14:35:58
Dear Bridget,
The principle of living one day at a time has really reduced my stress level over the last few years. But I need to be reminded once in awhile. Thank you for doing that for me.
That overwhelmed feeling: I know it well and that’s where I am right now. How good it is to know that the Lord understands me perfectly and loves me unconditionally. I prayed your prayer and, by his grace I’ll rest in him till my eyes close in sleep tonight.
Love,
Beth
Mar 31, 2010 @ 16:04:53
Hi Bridget,
Thanks for sharing this, I like to think I live one day at a time, but know that too often I get overwhelmed with the things I can’t or don’t do. I need to be in tune with how God wants me to use the energy I have.
Bless you,
Fiona
Apr 01, 2010 @ 00:08:06
Hi Bridget,
Oh, I can see that many relate to your writing’s message. I surely can.
I need to cut my days down into very small segments or I get too overwhelmed. I always “over plan” in my mind thinking I can get more accomplished than my body allows.
As God can make all things new – I know I need to let Him guide me – not my own expectations.
Good reminders from you! Thanks.
Love,
Lynn