The Watchman's Diary

It is easy to become overwhelmed with everything happening in the world each day. The maddening pace of evens around the world has many asking what is happening in these last times. Still, there is enough demand on our time to keep us from even staying focused on the broader implications of worldwide events. Each of us wrestle with the common and unique demands of life each day. One person is wrestling with what steps to take in their career while another struggles to find a job. One person is overwhelmed with the choice between dinner options, while another goes to bed hungry because they have no options. One person’s burden may very well be another person’s desire. In all of this, do you stop to say what is God’s design and purpose for you?

It is easy to allow ourselves to be so overwhelmed that we fail to bring our thoughts and plans to God. We can be overwhelmed with tasks, family, events, and other activities that are not inherently bad. We can be so overwhelmed by the burdens of life, our needs, wants, and the lack of options that we fail to stop and turn our thoughts to God. The enemy loves to see us so distracted that we do not seek God. The devil wants us so swallowed up with the issues of life that we can’t even exhale the name of God. 

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” 
(Proverbs 16:9 NLT)

Remember Jesus’ parable of the soils? Do not be the seeds that fall among the thorns (Matthew 13:22). Do not allow the issues of life to cast a shadow over the word of God and His presence in your life. Stay grounded in your faith in Jesus and hold fast to the promises of God. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the issues of life, take a moment to stop and pray from someone else. Pray for those you know who are experiencing difficulties in life. Pray for the general needs of others in your community and in the world. Pray for the people you know and the people you do not know. In all your wants, seek the needs of someone else. Under all your burdens, lift to God the weight of another. Intercede even when you feel you need an intercessor; being confident that “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

In your desire for help, stop to help another. In your loneliness, be a companion to another, and in your longing for mercy, remember to be merciful. Commit your work to God and he will repay beyond your expectations.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” 
(Matthew 5:7).