“He That Believeth Shall Not Make Haste”
The above words come from Isaiah 28:16. There is a calming effect that comes through trust in the Lord. Show me someone who is uptight, distraught, overly defensive or just plain worried and I’ll show you someone who is lacking in trust. Let your testimony be that of Psalm 125:1, “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.”
Have you noticed that being around stable people produces an atmosphere of stability? How true the saying, “fire begats fire!” To trust in the Lord is to draw nigh unto Him. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you….” Since He is the same yesterday, today and forever we come to this very pronounced conclusion: In God’s presence is the most stable, calm, assured atmosphere one could ever find himself or herself.
Do you long to not be in a hurry? Do you long to feel like you can make it with only 24 hours in a day? Believe me, if we ever did get that “36-hour day,” we would find those worldly goals just as elusive, and we would sooner or later long for a “48-hour” day. Do you sometimes find yourself in the proverbial rat race and the rats are winning? Please heed the following observances:
I. No one has any longer day than you have.
Jesus said in John 11:9, “…are there not twelve hours in the day?” No one gets an extra edge on daylight except those who live in the land of the midnight sun and even they are not assured of more productivity. I’ve been told by those living in those locations that it becomes a hassle trying to get the house dark enough to sleep. So don’t be envious of those you think are getting more done in their day. The only basic difference would be how they use their time. You could adjust your schedule starting today!
II. God consigns you strength for each allotted day.
“…As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25). Don’t feel restricted or guilty if your physical or emotional make-up does not let you get done everything you want to get done. God gives you the supply on a daily basis and He has never made a mistake.
III. Do your best and hang the rest!
Try these inspired words on for size: “My times are in Thy hand…” (Psalm 31:15a). The things you did not finish on any particular day should be considered out of God’s will for that day. Please don’t use this as an excuse to be lazy; God never blesses laziness. Procrastinators cannot claim this truth. But, be encouraged! Dedicate every day to God, asking Him for wisdom and, as Nehemiah phrased it, “…a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6). Rise up, bless the Lord for what you did get done; ask Him for strength to finish what needs to be done tomorrow; ask Him for wisdom to know what needs to be deleted. Remember, “He that believeth shall not make haste!”
- Pastor Pope -