Make it Better

Don't spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life. If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you like a trap. This day will surprise everyone on earth. Watch out and keep praying that you can escape all that is going to happen and that the Son of Man will be pleased with you.
Luke 21:34-36 CEB

How easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day distractions. I cannot tell you how many conversations in the last few weeks I've had with Christians who are worried about the what-ifs of life. Things that could happen if or might happen if, but have no certainty of happening, and yet we spend precious time and energy trying to conquer any and all potential contingencies. To put it plainly, we worry.

It's surprising to discover how many people believe it is their "job" to worry. That's one of satan's great deceptions - as though worrying about something will make it better. No, it won't. When we choose to worry about things, it means we don't trust God. Praying and believing about it will make it better. Giving it to God and seeking His wisdom will make it better. Trusting the Lord to be ALL that He has promised is faith. Trust and faith will make it better.

The less time we spend caught up in the day-to-day distractions, the more time we have to spend with God. The more time we have to watch and pray. The more time we have to prepare ourselves and those within our realm of influence for the Day of His return. THAT'S when and where we want to be caught up - with HIM.

Prayer:

Father,
           We pray from the Psalms, Satisfy us each morning with Your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let our children see Your glory. This we declare about You, Lord: You alone are our refuge, our place of safety; You are our God, and we trust You. 

           We stand on Your promise that You will rescue those who love You. You will protect those who trust in Your Name. You will answer us and be with us when we're in trouble. You have promised to rescue and honor us.  And also to reward us with a long life and give us Your salvation. We trust You, Lord.  We lay down every worry and what-if of doubt. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

On Guard

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT

I caught a YouTube video of old and very familiar commercial jingles the other day when I was out there looking for a specific old hymn. Later in the day, I found myself singing the jingles in my head. I was reminded of how easy it is to get distracted. Was I sinning? No. However, I think it was great that God reminded me of just how easy it is to allow things into our spirit without any effort at all, and how much more effort it takes to get rid of them. 

We're bombarded from all sides all day long. How much defense do we have on hand? Are we prepared? Are we guarding our hearts against the everyday drivel, angst, and frustration?

Verses 24-27 conclude the chapter of our text today - with these instructions:

Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. 

It's easy... way too easy to get sidetracked. If we're going to expend energy, let's make it worth our while. Let's make the effort to put in the good stuff - God's Word, His praise. Sound teaching. Make the effort to guard your heart. It's much easier than having to do a transplant...

Prayer:

Father,
            Make us ever mindful of You and Your ways and Your will for us. Keep us focused so that we stay on the safe path - the one You have walked before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.