Preparing Ourselves for the Day

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:13 NASB).

Awhile back, I made a list of certain things that I struggle with on a daily basis and ways to deal with them.  My goal is to prepare for each day by giving these requests to God. 

To see my life with a heavenly vision rather than an earthly one.  I can become so consumed with my earthly limitations that I lose sight of what awaits me in eternity.  Remembering my eternal future keeps things in perspective here.

To notice signs of God’s presence.  Every day God reveals Himself to me if I only take time to see Him.  Whether it’s through nature, an activity, a person, a Scripture, or a song, God is with me.

To love those in my path.  My personal problems can cause me to ignore the needs of others. I interact with someone every day, and they all need God’s love.

To not feel inferior to others.  I have always struggled with self-confidence, and health problems exacerbate this weakness.  I need to remember who I am in Christ – a person of worth and value with specific gifts given to me by Him.

To use my time wisely.  I don’t want to use my pain as an excuse for not serving where God is calling, but I also don’t want to unwisely over-extend myself.  I need God’s direction each day.

To be content with God’s decisions.  I don’t always understand why God allows what He does in my life, but I do know that trusting and surrendering to His plan is the only way to lasting peace and contentment.

To put on the armor.  Whether I’m fighting pain, the world, or my own sinfulness, each day is a battle.  I can’t fight without the proper protection. 

As I lift these requests to God in humility and faith, the day may still be difficult, but I’ll be much better prepared for whatever comes. 

Prayer:  “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3).  Thank you Lord, for hearing, and answering.  Amen.