In my busyness the last few months, I’ve not taken time to put papers, receipts, books, cards, and other miscellaneous items in their designated places. This morning, I set out to change that. As I was sorting through the items piled next to my computer, I soon realized that it would take me more than one day (likely, many days) to put my office in order; this realization made me feel depressed. Wondering why, I prayed for insight and soon became aware of this subconscious belief: Before I die, I must correct all of my past errors and see to it that my house is in perfect order. In other words: to please God, along with needing to make up for yesterday’s mistakes and failures and not repeat any of them, I must, also, attain and maintain a picture-perfect house.
Finally, the impossibility of perfection became clear to me, and the inclusiveness of God’s forgiveness—which I’ve embraced for years—became more solidly rooted in my heart. God knows that perfection–in any form–is beyond our capability. He knows about our failures of yesterday; he knows about the ways in which we will fall short today, and he knows what our errors of tomorrow will look like. His forgiveness includes yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
That is called “grace.”What are the implications of this grace? We can stop feeling anxious about our performance in life. We can take a break and relax. Even though, we have a tendency to wander during the day, we don’t have to get stressed about it. God’s forgiveness includes a provision for that in the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is the promised “Helper” that Jesus told his disciples he would send to all of us who rely on and accept his sacrificial death as payment for our failures and shortcomings.(John 14:15-17 ESV)
I compare the Holy Spirit to an internal GPS. In order to determine my destination (set my goals) for the day, I prayerfully read a portion of Scripture; then, I ask the Holy Spirit to direct me in my choices. I know that sometimes I will make a wrong or unwise choice. But I try not to worry about it; my always accurate GPS will correct me whenever my ears or my eyes or my heart distract me. I’m learning to focus more on listening to him, than on reaching my desired goals for the day; consequently, even if I haven’t completed everything I set out to do, I can sleep peacefully.
Inspired—not driven—
That’s how I like “livin’”;
My cup overflows; I’m not drained.
When I linger in bed
‘Til the thoughts in my head
Are aligned with the Spirit’s voice,
I feel peace; I have strength;
I’m not hindered by angst.
I can handle the load called “Today.”
Your message is clear,soft, I can hear the gentleness of our heavenly shepherds leading and going before in a green pasture, by still waters, and restoring us. Thank you
Thank you, Arlene! Your comment encouraged me, today–just when I needed it.
Your article reminds me of the table where we put our mail in the computer room. It gets cleaned off and then gets piled up again. I am thankful Jesus forgives us again and again.
Amen!
Thanks, I needed to read this today.
Loved the poem at the end as well!!
Thank you, Rose. I wrote the poem earlier this year, but it seemed to fit in.