We hurry, we strive, we struggle, we sweat for the things that God never intended to give us in the first place.
But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity…” (Isaiah 49:4, ESV)
You are probably familiar with the “Footprints in the Sand” poem. It is overused and cliched. If you are unfamiliar with this poem, it is about a man walking along in the sand. There are two sets of footprints. One set of footprints is the footprints of God. The other set is the footprints of the man. They are walking together.
But as they walk further along, one of the sets disappears. The man wonders where footprints of God went. But God responds and assures the man that it was in that difficult moment when God carried the man. It is a comforting sentiment.
As we think about our modern situation, we might consider a different reason why there is only one set of footprints in the sand. The reason is that there are many times we don’t walk in step with God. We get ahead of God and leave him behind. We lack faith to wait on him. God says there is only one set of footprints because you went where I never intended you to go.
I know have frustrations in life because things don’t happen as fast as I want them to happen. We live in an instant world. There is instant communication and instant food. As an Amazon Prime customer, I can order something in the morning and have it delivered to my house the same day. These are amazing times. There is not much for which we need to wait. As a result, we are not good at waiting. We are not good with patience.
I think back to Christmas as a child. I counted the days. I looked forward so much to the day we would open presents. But as I think back, I would say my fondest memories were more about the days leading up to Christmas than Christmas itself. The presents I had waited for were nice, but they rarely lived up to the hype.
The point is that the things that we are often striving for, clamoring for, and running after are rarely as satisfying as we think they will be. Enjoy what is before you right now. Enjoy the moment. Practice gratitude. Our impatience often stems from failing to recognize what God has put in our path today. We are blinded to blessing.
This is the day the Lord has made. Today! Rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). Yes, every day as long as we live on this earth will have challenges. Don’t get all in a hurry to rush to another day. The day in the future you are in such a hurry to get to will have enough problems of its own (see Matthew 6:34).
Savor this day. Find the joy in the task you are doing at the moment – whether it is tucking your child into bed, pushing another button at work, or driving your commute into the city. Cherish the moment as a gift from God. Look for where God is present in this specific moment.
Our discontent does not come from our situation or our circumstances. Our discontent comes from our heart and the place of God in our lives.
Reflection
- Do you struggle with patience?
- How can you practice greater patience and recognize God’s presence in each moment.
Prayer
Lord, help me live with patience and rejoice in every moment. Help me to recognize your presence in the good and bad times. Forgive me for when I fail to wait on you. Help me to rest in your grace and not to live in such a hurry. Amen.
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