What burdens are you carrying around today? Is there something you are troubled about? Often, without even realizing it, we find ourselves beset by nagging worries.
We are not intended to be burden-bearers. We are meant to walk straight and tall with sparkle in our eyes and vitality in our movements. It is certainly not to our credit to drag through life carrying burdens of our own or those of someone else.
To be weighed down with concern is to forget that the Bible tells us to cast our care upon the Lord. We are to release the things that trouble us to the all-powerful Spirit of God who will handle them perfectly. We need give no more thought or worry to them. Let us leave our troubles with God so that we may come alive and move forth into a joyous expression of our Creator’s life and love.
We can be surrounded by acres of breathtaking beauty, yet those who are blind do not see it. Likewise, all the symphonies of the universe cannot penetrate deaf ears. Yet the beauty is still there and the music continues.
The goodness of God surrounds us, enfolds us, and dwells within us. Let us know that even when we are struggling with a seeming problem, God is present. Even as we fight disease and depression, joy and health are enfolding us. At the very moment when we may be feeling anxious over one dear to us, God is with that one—watching over him with a love much deeper than we presently can even imagine.
Spiritual beauty abounds and spiritual music forever plays. Let us open our eyes and ears to God and be blessed.
Have you tried to live other people’s lives for them? If so, you have found that it is a most frustrating experience. Not only do we find it difficult, but we also learn that our good intentions are not appreciated.
Many people interfere in the lives of family and friends, thinking they will be able to make life easier and happier for them—but it is egotistical to assume that we know what is best. To do too much for others is to encourage weakness and irresponsibility. Fulfilling their obligations takes away their chance to know the satisfaction that comes with personal achievement.
When the going gets rough for others, pray for them. Encourage them through your faith in their capacity to handle the situation, but don’t try to do their job for them. Allow others to learn the lessons of life necessary for them to grow into strong, capable individuals.
As you awake each morning, give thanks for the good and the beauty the day holds for you. You will find it. Each day is filled with an abundance of all-good. We must be in a receptive mood, however. We must make the effort to see and hear and enjoy the excitement found in nature. Often this comes to us by merely opening a window or taking a short walk around the block.
No one need ever be bored in this wonderful plane of existence on earth. There are so many people to meet—so many places to explore—and so much that needs to be done by each one of us.
We can make each of our days joyous as we affirm its goodness and take delight in the opportunities it holds. Make every day count for something. Time is our gift from God. What we do with it is our gift to God.
Today do joyously whatever lies before you. Perhaps it is a routine task requiring little effort. Perform this work to the rhythm of a favorite song. Sing aloud if you are alone, silently if others are working near you.
If you have been reluctant to tackle a difficult job, put it off no longer. This is the day the Lord has made! You are God’s offspring; therefore, you can do all things through the Spirit of God. Do your work in this consciousness, and you will experience real joy and a sense of achievement.
If you have so many tasks in front of you that you feel confused, stop for a moment. Pray for orderliness, effectiveness, and concentration. Then, take one job at a time and move smoothly and easily from one to another until your tasks are done. Work performed in this manner is a joy and a blessing. Do each job that is yours to do, and doors will open to new opportunities and greater achievement.