Putting it off for Tomorrow

Where I cast my cares

Where have I cast my cares
I brought the failings of my heart to bare
Only to see that tomorrow was filled
With things I did not want for the moment;

The truth remains
That they cannot go away
Putting off for tomorrow
Saves it for a later day
And save I cast my cares upon You
They will give me worries always
And make my joy not stay
Against your will for me;

But I smile with glee
Knowing today’s end I will see
Because new is your strength
To overcome my weaknesses today
New is your provision
That I may know satisfaction
New is your favour
Like they just knew I’m royalty
New is Your love
Enough to keep me going on;

Where have I cast my cares
It is forever on You
That tomorrow may have no grip on me
But I will be secure
Expectant and joyous
Over tomorrow.

The Inspiration
There had been no light in the area for almost a week. This should not be news. We had been running the generator all through. But I was hopeful that one day they will bring the light. So that night before sought peaceful sleep, I had a prompting in my spirit to switch the power changeover to allow for Power Holdings’ light. I quickly replied, “There has been no light. They cannot bring light this night. I’d do it tomorrow.” And then a sudden realization hit me – I was procrastinating.

I decided to share this with you because I began to see this latent worm subtly crawling into the lives of many. Then it resides permanently. It sounds in words like later, some minutes, but more irritatingly in the word tomorrow. Tomorrow is a word full of promises. But when it is used as an usher of procrastination, it is dangerous.

Procrastination according to the Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary means: - to put off intentionally and habitually; to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done. It also means to delay. Think about the meaning of this word for a while.

What was glaring? The fact that we procrastinate means we do not regard the thing(s) procrastinated as important or dear to us. You cannot procrastinate what you treasure for where your treasure is there will your heart be also [Matthew 6:21]. Will you push to tomorrow that visit to your friend’s place even if it coincided with the time you have dedicated to studying the word of God? Will you ignore that shopping spree to lend a mite to your neighbour?

There have been many beautiful write ups on Procrastination, some of which I could refer you to.
http://bible.com/overcoming-life/digest8.php#foxes; http://www.gospelcenterchurch.org/procrastination.html; http://www.holybiblesays.org/articles/procrastination.htm
But a word of scripture kept ringing in my head “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries [Matthew 6:34a, NLT]. Each day has enough trouble of its own [Matthew 6:34b, NIV]”. It was the answer to my silent question “Is there a problem with procrastination?” Yes there is. Every day has enough trouble of its own. Why add to the trouble for that day. Tomorrow will bring its own worries, why store up worries for the ones that will come tomorrow. Please do not feel that I am prophesying negatively in your life. No. I am simply reminding you of the words spoken by our beloved Jesus Christ.

What did I learn out of it? To tackle each problem or issue as ir comes. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength [Philippians 4:13]. The reason why we put things off till tomorrow is because we believe we will handle it ourselves tomorrow. Whatever it is, no matter how big or how small, cast it upon the Lord. As you continue to depend on him for everything and every area of your life, you will realize there is no need to procrastinate. His grace is sufficient for you [2 Corinthians 12:9].

Is there anything in your life you notice is entwined with procrastination? Your decisions? Your vows and promises? The eating of spiritual food? Your dreams and calling? Your situation? Give it God in prayer. The Lord’s mercies and compassions (hence love and strengthening) are new every morning [Lamentations 3:22-23]. He will strengthen you.

Have a glorious day ahead.