My calendar always ends up a mess. Circles highlight the things I didn’t get to, but need to. Scribbles hide the things that aren’t getting done anytime soon. Dashes check off what I’ve done- and sometimes they cover the whole square for each day. Life is full of little things right now, but:
Every little thing adds up and sometimes the day just feels overwhelming.
Every little thing adds up and sometimes the day just feels overwhelming. @BethanyMcIlrath Click To TweetYou too?
Here’s some hope from the only One who can take it all:
- Today Isn’t Too Much
“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.”
This is a verse I recite regularly, a truth we all need when it feels like everything is too much and too hard. The only things we really need to do are feasible. The only checks on our to-do list of eternal importance are attainable.
What is it the Lord has commanded today? To “turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.” That’s our whole necessary to-do list, and it’s not too much.
By the grace of God, it takes one moment of surrender to define the rest of our day. Just a simple priority on HIM above all else makes living a worthwhile day today right within reach.
By the grace of God, it takes one moment of surrender to define the rest of our day @BethanyMcIlrath Click To Tweet
- Today Won’t be Too Little
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” –Psalm 90:12
In believing that the Lord works all things together for good, we also believe that God does not waste (Romans 8:28.) Numbering our days means adopting that same perspective. It means recognizing that each day, no matter how frustrating or tedious, has value according to the Lord…so today isn’t just another day. It’s a day fresh with God’s mercies and purposes.
- Today is Enough
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
If today has enough trouble of its own, then that means what’s at hand is enough to fill our whole capacity of concern. But read the verse that comes first, before that blessed “therefore.”
Seek ye first. Friends, if we are seeking Him first then despite the fact that today will have its troubles, we don’t have to worry at all. Because the troubles of today aren’t keeping us from seeking Him.
As I understand it, my shorthand for these verses is:
Enough trouble for today means enough reasons to seek and rely on God today.
Enough trouble for today means enough reasons to seek and rely on God today. @BethanyMcIlrath Click To TweetWe don’t need extra reasons. What He’s asked for and will provide today will be sufficient for our needs.
No need to get ahead on your to-do list. No rush to fit everything in. There will be time if there needs to be, because everything has its time and season in the Lord’s order.
What verses give you a fresh perspective when you are overwhelmed?
<A version of this post originally appeared here.>
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That’s so true–when I am overwhelmed, I want to be anywhere except in the moment. But that’s all God calls us to be in. I need to seek His grace in the moment rather than escape from it.
Wanting to be anywhere except in the moment is SO accurate!! We need His grace. Praise Him He never runs out!
Bethany! I love this! Especially that promise that today isn’t too much. I have never, ever thought of it that way. But God promises are always true. And today won’t be too much. Thank you for remind me, friend. Sharing this today 🙂
Thanks, Becky! So encouraged by you and your writing- especially the “pauses.” Those remind me of this principle.
Custom made message for me today, Bethany!
I’m the girl who keeps score on the calendar: Good day? Lots of check marks.
Bad day? Nothing accomplished.
So thankful for God’s perfect justice and mercy as HE looks at my day.
Michele, I hear you!! I just saw a quote (I don’t remember who by!) that goes something like, “faith is trusting God to work through your most unproductive days.”
Hi Bethany! I’m bookmarking (and sharing) this post. 🙂 Thanks for some much needed encouragement, my friend!
You encourage me, Joy! Thank you! Blessings!
Bethany, what woderful encouragement! I want to add these verses to my arsenal.
“Arsenal.” Now that’s a description I need to remember. Thanks, Debbie!
Thank you for these verses. laurensparks.net
Blessings, Lauren!
Thanks for this encouragement, Bethany! As my to-do list grows forever longer it is helpful to remember what really matters and that God will give us all we need to accomplish what he wants us to!
All things THROUGH HIM who gives us strength! I need to remember this, too! Glad to see you here, Lesley!
Thanks for the verse in Deuteronomy, with Him it is all possible even if the day appears overwhelming.
Amen! Thanks and glad you’re here, Rebecca!
Bethany, how have I never noticed Deut. 30:11? 🙂 You’re so right that we “don’t need extra reasons” to rely on God. I’m thankful that He gives us just enough for each day–enough strength, enough work, enough everything. Such a good post!
Lois, I wrote this post a few years ago and forgot about Deut 30:11. I need to memorize this one. He is enough!!
Bethany, I love your perspective on “today.” And I’m not familiar with Deuteronomy 30:11, but what a great verse and thought! I’ll be definintely reflecting on this powerful truth. So thankful today is not beyond our reach. It’s all a matter of perspective and asking the Lord to be in the details where we are right now!
Karen, Deut 30 is worth a reread (or was for me at least!) I also appreciate the part about the Word already being near us. We forget we have access to the God of the Universe! Blessings!
I’m so prone to be accomplishment focused. For me, those checkmarks go on my to-do list and how I love checking those items off. But I try to remember the sovereignty of God and that God has given me all the time I need to do the things He has called me to do. Usually when I get overwhelmed, it because I’m trying to do more than I should.