Exhortation Station

This semester in college has been challenging.  Lots of classes, lots of deadlines, lots of stuff to do.  It’s been easy for me to be constantly focused on the next to-do, worrying about how I’m going to get everything done. 

Last week a thought came to me that has been a real encouragement.  The thought is this: Just because I don’t know what to do tomorrow doesn’t mean I can’t have joy today.  How easy it can be for us to rest our joy and fulfillment on earthly things — “Oh, if I can just pass this college test, I’ll be happy,” or, “Oh, if I can just get through this tough project, I’ll be fulfilled.”  I’ve been freshly reminded that this is shaky ground to base our hope on — it’s an endless treadmill.  There’s always that next test, that next day at work, that next job interview, that next challenge.  If we are constantly worrying about “the next big thing,” rather than making the most of each moment and trusting His timing, we will miss out on much blessing and joy.

In Matthew 6:33-34, Yahshua said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [food, drink, and clothing] will be added to you. ³⁴ So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  As I’ve entered into the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles), this thought has encouraged me to truly relish His Feasts despite all the challenges of college. 

I’ll end with a couple passages from the Psalms.  I pray you will be refreshed by these words as I have been.  If you have challenges ahead — if you feel a burden of to-dos weighing you down — I encourage you take refuge in Yahweh, lay your burdens at His feet, and take joy in what He has for you today.

Psalm 37:23,24 — “The steps of a man are established by YHWH, and He delights in his way. ²⁴ When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because YHWH is the One who holds his hand.”

Psalm 5:11 — “But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.”