How Worry Stopped the Clock and Inhibits Our Steps

Daddy's eighty-plus-year old clock made by William L.Gilbert in Winsted, Conn

Does He not see my ways, and count my every step? Job 31:4

The Lord counts our steps.  Job also said that God numbers our steps.  (See Job 14:16) 

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholds him with his hand.  Psalm 37: 23-24

These Scriptures are encouraging, especially when things may not be going the way we’d like them to.  Trust the Lord; believe His promises.  God will guide our steps when we commit our way to Him. (See  Psalm 37)

It is so easy to worry, especially when the task seems daunting, or the way seems long and difficult.  We tend to look at circumstances and project into the future.  Worrying about what’s up ahead, what might happen tomorrow, does not make our way easier.  It inhibits our steps.

What I’d rather do is trust in God’s grace and know that He will give me the strength I need to take one step at a time. 

I’d like to share a story of the little clock that stopped ticking when it was told how many times he’d have to tick in a year. . . a lifetime.
 

“How many ticks do you have to tick at a time?” the wise old clock asked.

“Why, only one, I guess,” the new clock answered.

“There now.  That’s not so hard, is it?  Try it along with me.  Tick, tock, tick, tock.  See how easy it is?  Just one tick at a time.”

A light of understanding formed on the face of the clock, and he said, “I believe I can do it.  Here I go.”  He began ticking again.

“One more thing,” the wise old clock said. “Don’t ever think about the next tick until you have your last tick ticked.”

I understand that was seventy-five years ago, and the clock is still ticking perfectly, one tick at a time.

No man sinks under the burden of the day.  It is only when yesterday’s guilt is added to tomorrow’s anxiety that our legs buckle and our backs break.  It is delightfully easy to live one day at a time! ~ Corrie ten Boom
 

This is an excerpt from Don’t Wrestle, Just Nestle by Corrie ten Boom. She’s no longer with us, but her testimony lives on. If you don’t know her valiant story and her writing, you really must read some of her life-changing books.

 

 

I copied that little story in a notebook over 30 years ago. I hope you will find encouragement from it as I have.

Trust God's grace and know He's right there with you every step of the way. 

 

I'd love to hear from you.  You may leave a comment by clicking on the pencil icon or the word "comment" below.  At the bottom of the page you can also click to share this on Facebook and Twitter.

 

And for those of you who love old clocks, my Daddy's clock still keeps perfect time, and it's been ticking a very long time. . .one tick at a time.  God bless you.