Lord, make me a man of few words and fewer complaints.
I have a tendency to believe that I must always be thinking and planning a few steps ahead of my present circumstances. The world calls it being prepared, but scripture reminds me that it is only anxious toil. I burden myself with the expectations and demands of a full calendar, a yoke that hangs heavy around my neck. The stress I place upon myself loosens my tongue and out comes all kinds of grumblings. I say, “If only I could get through this busy season, then I will find the rest that my soul needs.” These are a fool’s words, a mere distraction, a false hope.
Lord, remind me that your yoke is easy and your burden light. Place your steady hand upon my shoulder, lead my spirit as it learns to match the pace of yours. Remind me that I don’t always need to be looking so far ahead. Would you grant me the peace of being where my feet are?
Instead of worrying about next month and next year, help me to be attentive where I am now. Slow my mind down, help me focus on matters at hand. Let me not be distracted or disheartened by long term thinking. Teach me to be presently content. Instruct my heart to simply be faithful today. If I cannot be faithful here, then I will never be faithful there, down life’s road where my mind frequently wanders.
When my soul looks up, point my eyes down, so I will see where these feeble feet stand. Tell me again that you are not just Lord of my tomorrow, but you are Lord of my today.
Instead of trying to run towards quieter days or more fruitful fields, would you show me the peace and fullness of walking slowly with Christ now?
Oh Lord, remind me of these truths:
Rest is not found at the end of a full calendar.
Peace is not found on occasional free weekends.
Joy is not found in daydreams of different circumstances.
Hope is not found in my own ability to speed things along.
My rest, my peace, my joy, and my hope is all found in the man, Jesus Christ.
I pray I find all this and more here, in the midst of all busyness and labor.
Help me to simply be here, where my feet are, where Christ stands as my ever present help in times of trouble and need.
As I learn and settle into your calming presence, make me a man of few words and fewer complaints.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
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