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“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks
intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
James 1: 22-25
How often do you find yourself talking to the Lord and all of a sudden catch yourself deep in a thought involving something that you’re anticipating - totally separated from your prayer? I often catch this happening on my commute to or from work, especially on those days that I hit snooze one too many times or try to squeeze in one more thing and don’t prioritize giving the Lord space to join me in the step-by-step parts of the day.
Commuting to and from work is a time I try to spend with the Lord, whether it is worshiping Him in song, spending time in prayer, or meditating on something I have felt Him place on my heart. I don’t know about you, but this time in the car is one of the only times throughout the week that I am able to specifically choose how to spend that time without needing to consider what another person may want or need first. It’s just me, my thoughts, and God. My first choice is to spend that time talking with and worshiping the Lord; however, I find myself becoming distracted so easily in seasons of “overwhelm” or anxiety-inducing situations. I will have the best of intentions beginning a prayer at the start of my time in the car, and before I know it, I look up ten minutes later and have been subconsciously outlining specifics in my day, as if I can anticipate what to expect that day and how it will be handled. When this happens, I find myself feeling exactly like the person described in James 1:22-25. Someone who looks at herself in the mirror, and immediately forgets what she looks like the second she walks away. The drive starts with “Lord God…”, and before I know it, I am subconsciously planning or scheduling my “to-do” list.
Scripture calls us to devote our hearts and minds to Jesus - that includes our step-by-step plans, goals, and intentions. When we find ourselves distracted by our own schemes or thoughts, we must check our intentions and our idols. Are we trying to control our own outcomes or are we truly seeking wisdom and affirmation in the Living Word and believing what it says is true? Are we walking in devotion to abiding in God’s Word, or are we walking in distraction? When we catch ourselves walking in the “distracted and disconnected” lane, what shift needs to happen to realign our step-by-step intentions and actions? Let us be women who look intently into the perfect law and walk out our step-by-step path in devotion to who God says He is, what He has for us in each day, and faith in His sovereignty in and through all things. We don’t need the distraction of planning and anticipating our “step-by-step” plan when we fully trust that He goes before us and prepares each and every day for us.
#wheatfulwednesday @jess_barr
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