the ides of march
soothsayer: beware the ides of march.
caesar: what man is that?
brutus: a soothsayer bids you beware the ides of march.
julius caesar, act 1, scene 2, 15-19
isn't it amazing how easy it is to work ourselves into a tizzy? become paranoid or stressed over the silliest things? how one wrong word or anxious look can send us spiraling into a panic of worst case scenarios and worry?
why do i fret and let others occupy space in my mind? why do i willingly oblige as the concerns of this life take root in my head and begin to force out all other shoots of healthy thinking? why do i put so much stock in the opinions of others? just because someone whispers in my ear, it doesn't mean that i should turn my life inside out with worry. i should trust in my God who has ordained my steps and counted the hairs on my head and predestined the days of my life. i am His. i need not be superstitious or consumed with worry over the calamities or hubbub of this life. i need to live my life in a way that shows my reliance on His grace and mercy. i should not simply wander through this life, being tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight or craftiness of men, after the wiles of error [ephesians 4:14]...i can be strong and courageous [deuteronomy 31:6]. i do not need to be fearful or tremble at worldly threats. i have a blessed assurance. i can trust that He works all things for good [romans 8:28]. that His mercies are new every morning [lamentations 3:23]. that all good things come from above [james 1:17]. and that even when things are not all sunshine and flowers...that He turns my mourning into joy [jeremiah 31:13]. He comforts me. He grants a garland of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit [isaiah 61:3].
i must say, my God has been very good to me today. there are always plenty of reasons to fret about what today or tomorrow brings, but He is the lifter of my head [psalm 3:3]. He has made me glad. this ides of march is one that i will remember as a day that God, once again, showered His goodness on me. i am so blessed to be His child.
...
soli deo gloria