God’s Written Word or Worries of the Day
I saw rolls of paper that were in large metal holders that had blades to cut the paper to whatever length was desired. Picture the reams of colored paper that are in every elementary school throughout the nation that the teachers use to create bulletin boards or cover other large surfaces. These were mounted to the wall horizontally at least 7 high. Each one of the papers had a length of its color laid out on the table. This created a stack of at least 7 sheets deep. As the top one was written on the others below, it also received the imprint.
The reams from below were from the past, these reams still influenced the present. On the table, currently being written on, was the present. The rolls of paper from above that waited to come were from the future.
As the words were written, the past influenced them with the indents of the last words, swaying and altering the present words. This had me wondering if this was for the good or for the bad. He explained, “It could be for the good or bad. For the good, if it is scripture written on the past and followed by the writer, or bad if it’s the worries of the world sculpted into the paper. Written so many times over that it becomes a well-worn path of pain.”
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“but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19, ESV) This verse comes from the parable of the sower. Read all of Mark 4: 1-20. There is beauty and depth to this scripture. It always has me questioning where I am standing that day, producing fruit or all dried up.
Or are there some words from the Bible I read that are too hard, that feel like I can’t integrate into my life? I decide to listen to the worries of the day instead of the word because it seems easier.
Well, if that’s the truth that I chose the worries for that day, I am reminded that the future is waiting, waiting to be written on. That I can choose the beautiful things and I can write with strength and perseverance that will overcome the past doubts that try to etch their rebellion onto my present. Obedience to the Word is crucial. The best predictor of obedience to God in future events is our performance in the past. But we are more than overcomers, so we don’t have to be sad or discouraged if our past was marked with failure. There is a new clean sheet of paper waiting to fill the table.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39, ESV)
We can be assured God loves us and if He loves us then he will not leave us or forsake us. He is faithful to take us to completion. He will be right there with us reminding us of His promises so that we might choose His word over our worries of the day.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6, ESV)
Prayer for you and me: Lord Jesus help us to write Your Word on our lives today for today’s blessings but also for our and our children’s blessings in the future. We desire to drop our worries of the day so they can not steal our joy and sway our future lives. Thank You for Your mercies and Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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