“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”– Jam. 4:14-15
It is frustrating not being able to do things we would like to do. I’m talking about things that are good and beneficial– things that would be a help to others. Everyday I think of things I would like to do, and the list gets longer as I grow older and weaker. Some of those things I’ve been wanting to do for years, but so far haven’t been able to do. While I still hold out hope for some, I’ve given up on others.
The things that hinder us can be many. It might be poor health, age, our emotional state, more pressing needs, and numerous other circumstances. How we deal with this disappointment is crucial. This desire can divert our attention away from things we could and should be doing. It is like day dreaming when we ought to be working. And it can be worse than that if it leads to depression or bitterness. Sometimes it results in anxiety, or the fear of what others will think – because we’re not living up to their expectations. Ultimately we can only do what we can do. And wishing it was more, better, or different doesn’t help. But sometimes we just can’t shake the feeling and it eats at us, robbing us of peace and joy.
While I’ve been looking at this from my perspective, I realize that the same could be said of people in entirely different situations. For example. Some want to complete their education, but are too busy taking care of their family. Some want to go on the honeymoon they never had, but money is too tight. Some want to see a friend or relative in another state, but it is out of the question. Some would like to help their neighbor, but are in need of help themselves. Some would just like to just get out for the day, but they are house bound taking care of someone who is sick or disable. Some would like to leave the nursing home, even for a day, but they can’t and never will. Others would like to ___, but can’t because ___. You fill in the blank.
So what now? Sometimes we just have to realize that it is what it is, and all the wishing in the world won’t change it. We have to live with things as they are, even when they aren’t as we wish. We must not allow our desires to push us over the edge into a pit of despondency. If we are wise ( sometimes I’m not) we will do the best we can, with what we’ve got, while we can, as long as we can, and leave the rest with God. I will never be able to do some of the things I used to do or things I’ve wanted to do. The desire is still there and if God gives me the time and strength I will do it, but if He doesn’t that will be okay. His will is more important than my wants. Even if I never get to do those things it won’t mean that I left something undone. It simply means that God had something better in mind. And His will is really all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’m trying and trusting! – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
