Staying on Track

 

 

Ever think you’ve got everything on track and are doing just what God wants you to do and then you’re thrown a curve ball?  It can be confusing. We’re trying to do what He’s told us to, then things go south. Or to the right, or left. Whichever way they go, we’re off track. 

 

But we haven’t done anything wrong. Maybe we haven’t even done anything different than we were before.  So what’s going on?  Maybe we’ve kept on the straight and narrow, but the path has turned. 

If the path is God’s will for us, it’s changed. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.  That’s one reason we need to be in communication (prayer) with God—to hear what He wants us to do. 

Easier said than done.  It’s simple, but not easy.  Back to my One Word for this year: Discipline. 

What do you have to discipline yourself to do these days? How do you go about it? Don’t forget to join the conversation.

 My One Word for 2013
 

Discipline—For the longest time I thought discipline was another word for punishment. So I didn’t like it. Who likes punishment after all? But I later learned that it also means staying on task. And that means structure. I know many people, especially writer/artist types, eschew the thought of structure, believing it robs them of any freedom in their life. I’m exactly the opposite. I thrive on structure because it keeps me on track and makes my time fly.

So I do like discipline. I just don’t do it well. That’s why my goal this year, my one word, is discipline.  Thank you, Melanie, for making my one word button. Stop by her website, http://www.onlyabreath.com/, if you’re interested in one for your blog. 

In the coming weeks I’ll be sharing how my journey toward greater discipline in areas is going. 

 

I think we all go through tough times; I know I do, and it can make me ask God what's going on, especially when the Bible tells us to be thankful to Him in all things. It doesn't say to be thankful for all things though. Perhaps this is a way to handle the dichotomy.

"Thank You Lord"

                   It is hard to thank you O Lord for my trial

But I thank you for being here all the while.

It hasn't been easy--You're here just the same

I know that with You I'll survive ‘mid the flame.

 

As the waves roll in and wash over me

It feels like I'm being pulled out to the sea

But, just like Peter so long long ago

My feet remain steady, my eyes fixed on You.

 

Thank you O Lord for good family and friends

For people who care, and pray, and attend

To my needs and my tears when the latter do fall.

I thank you that they have been there one and all.

 

Thank you as well for the lessons I'm learning,

As I go through this struggle and find my world turning

Sometimes in a whirlwind, sometimes upside down

                   But You hold me fast with my feet on the ground.

 

You are the soil and in You I'm planted

And I thank You for all the gifts that You've granted.

You've given me so much to be thankful for.

Please Lord, forgive me when I've asked for more.

 

Help me to trust you and lean on your grace

Until I can see You one day face to face.

Then I will know and I will understand

How all these things fit into Your perfect plan.

 

                   Not one in the Bible who was well-esteemed

                   Went through their life without being redeemed

                   From trouble of some kind; each had many trials.

                   The outcome of these is what made them worthwhile.

 

Job lost his children, his cattle, his wealth.

Then Satan even robbed him of his health.

But Job remained faithful; and he did not sin.

All that he had he gave to You again.

Job passed the test; You had him restored.

You always have held steadfast to Your Word.

 

Thank you my Father that in You I trust.

Thank you for being so holy and just.

Thanks for your mercy, forgiveness, and love.

Thank you for helping me to look above.

 

                   Thanks for the promise that I am Your child

That in the end this life will be worthwhile.

Thanks for equipping me now and always.

Thank you that You're with me through all my days.