Today is Day 3 of how to squeeze that sponge-like brain of ours to “throw off everything that hinders” us so we can “run the race” set before us.
It’s time to squeeze out using the FREEdom process those stinky feelings brought on by procrastination – the art of putting something off we know must be done. A healthy faith, one that is very satisfying, comes from listening to and following Jesus throughout our day everywhere we go. Notice I said, “throughout our day.” Not just when we’re motivated, on fire and ready to charge. Those are the easy times to get things done.
It’s those others times, the gloomy days, which allows that unfulfilled to-do list to drag us down. Putting off tasks/projects we know need to be done only brings on guilt and feeling terrible about ourselves. “I’ve got to make that phone call, but (you fill in the excuse, any old excuse will do like, “My toes hurt” should do the trick).” Not making that call only makes us feel worse about ourselveswho we; thus, in walks our drug of choice to make us feel better.
Overcome procrastination by giving your daily to-do list or series of projects to Jesus. Listen to Him as to what those projects and daily lists should be. We can either be overly ambitious in order to meet our need for significance, which only wears us out, or under ambitious because we fear failure, which heaps burdens on our ever sagging shoulders. Both are joy killers!
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke (daily to-do list, series of projects) upon you and learn from Me (He cleared everything through His Father), for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Rest in this case comes while you’re doing something, but the something first comes from Him.
After getting that list from Him, see it as an act of worship, just as much as singing your favorite worship song. Ask the Spirit for strength to accomplish each item on your list. Don’t skip the hard ones either. This is just another form of procrastination hoping that task will some how magically go away! No, learn from Jesus. “Lord what’s next and then give me the strength to enjoy you while enjoying You.” Then get up and do it with Him.
Today, not tomorrow, is the day to just do it and enjoy Jesus while you do.
Set “FREE” Nowww