When Our Thoughts Drift to, “I Wish . . . “

When we live with chronic illness it is easy to say, “I wish . . .” a million times a day. Bridget shows us how wishing gets us no where, but focusing on just today can. . .

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for His own ends. . . ” (Proverbs 16:3-4).

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities” – said by Stephen R. Covey. I have this quote up on my wall as a reminder for me to work on the important things and to keep everything else as optional.

This is a hard area for me and I was reminded again to put God first. Lately, I’ve been daydreaming about my future and what I wish would happen. I’ve been spending a lot of time hoping for better health and less pain so I can “do more.” I’ve allowed myself to wish, wish, and wish for things in my life that God just might not wish for me. All of these things have taken up my valuable time and energy.

And those of us who are chronically ill know just how valuable our time is. When I’m looking ahead so much, I’m missing out on the opportunities God has put right in front of me. God wants me to leave my future up to Him so I have the energy to focus on today. There is nothing wrong with making plans, as long as that isn’t all we’re focused on.

Maybe you are like me and spend a lot of time hoping and wishing for things to get better. Friends, they are already better! We have Jesus Christ as our Savior. We have one more day to be a blessing to someone else. We have one more day to serve God. We have one more day to live!

Every day we are here means that God still has work for us to do. Maybe it’s doing more writing or starting a prayer ministry. Maybe it’s being a listening ear to someone else. Maybe it’s helping someone out financially. Whatever it may be is important to God.

What are some practical things we can do to put God first?

• Spend time with God daily, through prayer and Bible study
• Mentally stop yourself when day-dreaming hits
• Thank God for what you have
• Ask God daily to reveal what His assignments for you are
• Prayerfully commit your day to Him, for His glory

Prayer: Lord, I admit that it’s hard for me to stick to the present sometimes. Help me to see the opportunities You put before me. I leave my future in Your hands. Amen.

About the Author
Bridget Gazlay resides in beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with fibromyalgia, endometriosis, IBS, kidney stones, and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric art on the side. Bridget’s prayer is that anyone who comes across her writing or artwork would see she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” Find out more about Bridget at, www.pfccreations.com.

Do you hear yourself saying, “I wish. . .” out loud? What about quietly, to yourself? What ways can you focus on what God has given you and what you can do with it today, instead of wishing life away?

Have you ever said, “Speak to me, Lord!”? This song, featured in The Color Purple Broadway show is a good old-fashioned gospel song. It really picks up about half way through, so hang in there a minute!