I don’t know about you, but this quarantine has been like a roller coaster for me — some days are “up”, some are “down”, and sometimes, the drop is heart-stopping. I have experienced peace that passes comprehension, and I’ve also experienced anxiety so great that I feel like I’m going to be sick.
During this time, I’ve also been studying the book of James. I know that’s no coincidence. James is all about persevering through trials, seeking true wisdom, and living out our faith.
I have realized that the emotional “drops” come when I project out — what if I don’t have a job in the fall? What if Dave doesn’t? How will we pay our bills? What about our girls in college? Our son in his senior year of high school??
But as I study – and worry – and pray – and question – and hope – and fear — God has been reminding me that all I need to focus on is one day at a time. Jesus told his disciples, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” And he said that after also reminding them not to worry abut their clothes or money — God would provide all that they needed.
Jesus also gave these reminders after telling His disciples exactly how they should pray. That prayer included a request for daily bread (not weekly, monthly, or annually), with the future focus not on our jobs or income or homes, but on the eternal Kingdom of God. Then Jesus went on to remind His followers to keep their eyes – and hearts – focused on that Kingdom.
I get anxious when I am focused on my personal kingdom – my family, my job, my bills. I am at peace when I am focused on God’s Kingdom. And my job in His Kingdom is to seek Him first in all things. What that means, practically, right now, is that I look to accomplish what God has for me to accomplish one day at a time.
I need to wake up every day focused on that day. What does God want me to do today? And James reminds me part of what I need to do daily is to be a doer of the word. God has convicted me I need to do better at listening than speaking, at responding with a soft answer rather than a harsh one. I also have practical responsibilities – I need to complete the work that I’m doing, I need to clean up the house, to spend time with my family. Other days might be “bigger” — serving in the community, sharing the gospel, helping someone in need.
But the bottom line is that I just need to do each day what God is asking of me. I’ll deal with tomorrow tomorrow. Like so many of you, I can’t stop this “roller coaster” – this is a difficult time, and the frightening drops will come, along with the amazing heights. But I can choose where my focus will be — on myself, my emotions, my fears; or on God — His Kingdom, His will, and His word. I can choose joy in the middle of trials. I can live, not in fear of the future, but one day at a time.
