Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to You I cry all day long.
Psalm 86:3
As I read David’s words to God in this verse, the phrase “all day long” really made an impact on me this week. I often have to fight the temptation to give in to anxious thoughts in the morning, especially if I have a busy day ahead. Or a busy week. Or if there is a deadline to meet for the weekly Bible studies and devotional messages I write. I’m thankful for the progress I’m making, but I still struggle at times. The Lord is teaching me how to fight that battle, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who needs to be reminded of His battle plan against our struggles. I need to remember to walk with the Lord “all day long,” not just during my early morning quiet time with Him, but throughout the whole day.
Here’s one thing I have learned. Making time alone with the Lord first thing in the morning has become my highest priority. It is the quietest time of my day with the least distractions. I have a room where I can go to pray and spend time reading God’s Word. I have learned the importance of not just talking to God, but to take time to listen to what He wants to say to me! It helps when I write in a journal. I love looking back at what I’ve written and am so encouraged as I remember the things I was asking God about and see how He has answered.
One of the most important things I am learning is to recognize my complete dependence on the Holy Spirit to accomplish what God has called me to do. I know for sure that, for this season of my life, He has called me to write Bible studies for my weekly women’s group and post devotional messages on my website. I claim the Scripture that says “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
God’s Word tells us to “cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. Be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. So resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:7, 8). God is greater than our enemy! The Holy Spirit lives in those who are followers of Jesus. He gives us everything we need to fight the battles we face, and is the power source to accomplish God’s will. He is available at all times and ready to help when we come to Him and ask.
Knowing God’s will each day, and trusting Him to accomplish what He calls us to do, in His time, is the foundation for a peaceful attitude – no matter what comes.
The following quotes are from two of my favorite devotional books. Each of them speaks to the same issue of trusting God for everything, every day:
JESUS CALLING (March 26):
Waiting on Me means directing your attention to Me in hopeful anticipation of what I will do. It entails trusting Me with every fiber of your being instead of trying to figure things out yourself. Waiting on Me is the way I designed you to live: all day, every day. I created you to stay conscious of Me as you go about your daily duties…. Waiting on Me enables you to glorify Me by living in deep dependence on Me, ready to do My will. It also helps you to enjoy Me; in My Presence is fullness of Joy.
AWAKEN, a book of devotional messages by Priscilla Shirer:
In one of her messages, Priscilla reminds us of the pressures experienced by Jesus during His time on earth. People pressuring Him into conforming to whatever mold would meet someone else’s particular time line, purpose, or agenda. But “He was here on assignment…So instead of allowing others to drive His progress and priorities, the Son diligently asked the Father what His assignment entailed for Him in that moment, and then He stuck to that plan and did only those things the Father showed Him. … He only did the things assigned to Him.”
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What do you struggle with in your life right now?
Are you trusting God for His will throughout each day?
What specifically can you do to fight the battle with the enemy who would keep you feeling anxious and distracted instead of enjoying God’s peace as you go through each day?
Thank God for being available when you come to Him for help in whatever you need.