Friday, July 3, 2009

Stepping Stones: Don't Wish This Day Away!

Transformational Tip
How much time each day do you spend "wishing" for a different life? For a different set of circumstances? What if you got your wish and were able to switch places with someone or have the life you dream of? What makes you think you would handle those circumstances any better than you are managing your real life? Wishing and daydreaming is such a waste of time as we know one thing for sure; the time and energy we have are limited. God knows exactly the best circumstances for us now so we can reach our desired destination...peace, contentment, joy, control, power, impact, connection, passion, energy...this is also what God wants for us - Christ-likeness. Try to accept each day as a precious gift from God and trust Him enough to yield to His design and purpose. The situations we are in He brought specifically to take you one stepping stone closer in developing the mind of Christ.
Today, instead of longing for what is not, invest that energy and time in trusting Your Lord, praising your Lord. Take a look at your situation and ask yourself, "what is God showing me and want to grow in me?" and "He brought this in my life today for a purpose, so how do I do it well?" Daydreaming will leave you hungry, lost and discontent. Trusting and praising God then acting on the opportunities He gives you each day will draw you closer to His joyful presence.

Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that I need to take more control over my thoughts. I find I am always yearning for different circumstances. More money, different job, different spouse. When it's hot I wish it were cooler...when it's cold I want it to be warm. I find I am always rejecting the current day's circumstances and wishing for some thing different. When I stop and think about this habit I feel foolish and arrogant...but left to itself, this is how my brain works. I pray Lord that You help me accept each day as it comes, to not wish it away. Let me remember that this is the day you have made for me and to let me be glad. I yield myself to You and Your Holy Spirit. Help me be a better steward of these daily opportunities so I can grow and You can trust me with greater things. I pray in Jesus' name - AMEN!

The Truth
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16