Prayers and Thoughts

for Reflection

Lenton Devotional

2007

March 19

Anyone who is among the living has hope.
Ecclesiastes 9:4

Things come to pass as they do and when they do because the time is ripe.  Events come into being because the world is ready for them.  Nothing comes unannounced or unexpected.  If we could interpret accurately the forces and the tumults that play in the world we should never be caught off guard.  Nothing ever happens until the hour has struck.  Life in this universe runs on a divine schedule.  The celestial calendar marks with an unerring precision the exact arrival of events.  In the belfry of heaven the clock always strikes on time; it is never early, and it is never late.  The ships of destiny arrive at their ports of call at the moment they should arrive.  If we could untangle the mysteries of life and unravel the energies which run through the world; if we could evaluate correctly the significance of passing events; if we could measure the struggles, dilemmas, and aspirations of mankind, we would find that nothing is born out of time.  Everything comes at its appointed moment.

Joseph R. Sizoo

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

He who every morning plans the transactions of the day and follows out that plan carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life.  The orderly arrangement of his time is like a ray of light which darts itself through all his occupations.  But where no plan is laid, where the disposal of time is surrendered merely to the chance of incidents, chaos will soon reign.

Victor Hugo

Let us then think only of the present, and not even permit our minds to wander with curiosity into the future.  This future is not yet ours; perhaps it never will be.  It is exposing ourselves to temptation to wish to anticipate God, and to prepare ourselves for things which he may not destine for us.  If such things should come to pass, he will give us light and strength according to the need.  Why should we desire to meet difficulties prematurely, when we have neither strength nor light as yet provided for them?  Let us give heed to the present, whose duties are pressing; it is fidelity to the present which prepares us for fidelity in the future.

Francois Fenelon

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

We live on a moving line between past and future.  That line is our lifeline.

George A. Buttrick

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:6,8 

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5b

Dear Lord, when I am tempted to daydream about the future, don’t let me run ahead of you and your plans. Keep me patient and draw me back to the present, so I may accomplish the tasks before me today.  Help me approach each task one at a time.  When it is time to let go of the old and embrace the new, give me the faith to take the next step when I feel overwhelmed.  Help me to remember that life was never meant to be risk-free, but that you are there walking along side me in the chaos. I know that no matter what comes, my future is secure. Amen.