A Tangled Mess
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:17-18
INSIGHT
Decorating the Christmas tree is a special moment for our family. After a home-cooked meal, we get into our flannel pajamas, put on a holiday music playlist, and set the background of our television screen to a crackling fire. With the smell of hot chocolate in the air, I pull down the boxes from the attic.
As I crack open the lid, it's at this moment where the holiday cheer ceases, and instant regret kicks in. A tangled mess of lights, a few broken ornaments, and crumpled tinsel greets me. Rudolph’s nose is missing, and baby Jesus isn't inside the nativity set.
Decorating could've been a pleasant experience if I had taken the time last year to pack everything carefully and not just shove it carelessly in a box. Rather than enjoy the present moment with my family, my neglectful and lazy past self has me untangling a giant, sparkly knot of holiday frustration.
In the same way, life can be a beautiful journey if we take the time to follow God's guidance rather than shoving our calling into the cluttered corners of our hearts. Too often, we procrastinate, delay, or ignore taking a step of faith, treating it like a tangled ball of Christmas lights we'd rather avoid.
Don't put off the thing God is asking you to do today. Our present obedience shapes our future selves more than we realize. Just as properly packing away decorations ensures a smoother decorating experience next year, following God's guidance in the present sets the stage for a brighter, more purposeful future.
Procrastination is like leaving those tangled lights in a box and hoping they'll magically untangle themselves next year. It rarely happens. Similarly, when we delay our obedience, we end up with a jumble of missed opportunities, regrets, and untapped potential.
But there's hope! Just as you can take one step at a time to detangle those lights, you can take a step today to unravel the confusion in your life. When God calls you to something, it's because He sees the potential for something beautiful in your future. It's a unique opportunity to participate in the divine decoration of your life.
God knows what's best for us, and His guidance is for our benefit. So, as you go about your day, don't procrastinate. Listen to that still, small voice in your heart and take the first step toward what God is asking of you. Just as decorating a room brings joy and beauty, following God's plan for your life will lead to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and joy.
REFLECTION
Are there any areas where you've been procrastinating or neglecting taking a step of faith?
How can you be proactive in overcoming procrastination and display courageous obedience?
PRAYER
Dear Lord, grant us the wisdom to learn from the tangled messes of our past neglect and procrastination, and help us to recognize the importance of heeding Your guidance. May we be inspired to be courageous in every gracious moment you provide while embracing the potential for a brighter and more purposeful future. Amen.