Right now, you are carrying around a list. Did you know that? And this list contains some of your past, present and future. There is so much “stuff” on this list, it’s no wonder why so many of God’s children are so worn out, overworked, stressed out and discouraged.
This list is so real, so evident, and so in our face, that it causes us to not see His face like we should. Can you do me a favor? Put your hand out in front of you as far as you can stretch. You can basically still see everything in front of you, right? Now, put your hand up to where it covers your entire face. It’s very difficult to see much of anything, right? Well, that’s what “the list” is like for so many Believers. Those things written on the list are so in our face, that we are not living in joy, peace and love like we desire. The list is too overwhelming…too “in our face”
Here’s what is on the list:
The Past—is on the list. You may say, you know what Ryan, I know I am forgiven of my past so I’m good there. And I believe you. I believe that you live forgiven of your past. But your past is what got you here today. Who you are today, is because of your past, both good and bad. And the past is 25 years ago, yesterday or even five minutes ago.
Here’s how we are holding on to the past and putting it on the list though we may not realize it. Things like, “Should I have ever moved to this location?”, “Should I have taken this job I’m in”, “Should I have raised my kids different”, “Why did this or that have to happen to me when I was younger”, “Why couldn’t I have looked this way or that way”, “Why have I always struggled with money”, and the list goes on and on.
You see, the Lord showed me that it’s not always about what needs to be forgiven, but what needs to be forgotten, let go, and transferred over to Him. It’s in the past but it’s still on your list. I believe that if you took the time today, you would find there are far more things than you realized that you are hanging on to from the past. Again, it’s about letting it go.
The Present—is on the list. All these cares, all these concerns, all these responsibilities, our jobs, our families, our marriages, our friendships, our finances, our walk with God, our bills, our church community, our HEALTH, going here and going there, all on the list. Today, you and I must make a choice of how we are to live in the moment—giving Him every part of our lives. Did you know that Jesus wants to be invited into the mundane and ordinary of your life? Invite Him there and watch what happens.
The Future—is on the list. Tomorrow I have to do this. Next week, I have to do that. Next month is this. Next year I have to do that. God, what have you called me to do? My kids are growing up and getting married? Will I be married? What will my finances be like when I’m older? So much worry and anxiety about tomorrow. Jesus knew that would be a struggle for us and that’s why He gave us Matthew 6:25-34, the DO NOT WORRY about tomorrow verses.
We are carrying around a list with so many cares and concerns. The list is so full of our past, present and future that it has choked the abundant life out of many. We are so focused on this list that it has dictated the way we live rather than living in the peace of God, the joy of the Lord and the feeling of being absolutely loved, taken care of, and adored by the Father.
The truth is that this list is so in our face that we can’t see His face clearly.
And—now this is so important to grasp—“the list” has become much of our identity. We have settled for 2nd, 3rd and 4th best for our lives because there is just too much on the list to deal with. How much of your identity is wrapped up in the list?
Today, Jesus wants you to take the list and lay it at his feet. Here’s what Jesus says to you today, “Come to Him all you that are weary and burdened and He will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
You see, there is NOTHING that you are facing—nothing that you are going through, that He did not provide an answer for.
D.L. Moody said that God never gave a promise that is good to be true!
Today, take your list and give it to Jesus. Get your peace, love and joy back. It WILL happen. I feel to tell you that. Then, wait on the Lord and hear what He has to say about everything on your list, because He has an answer for it all. There is absolutely a promise and a declaration in the Word for everything that is on your list. When you do this, beloved, you will feel a tremendous weight come off of you. Many things in your life will begin to change! Father believes in you!
If you would like a list of powerful promises and declarations to speak over your life everyday, you can pick up a copy of my book, “How To Encourage Yourself In The Lord” and you will find the list in the last chapter!