It is easier said than done. As husbands we have lots of anxieties.
“33But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34and his interests are divided.” – 1 Corinthians 7:33-34a (ESV)
Paul, in speaking to the Corinthians is noting for them that as married men, we are occupied with pleasing our wives. We want them to be well taken care of and sacrifice ourselves for them to be cared for. I was recently given a card by my wife and sons that read in part, “Thank you for always putting your family first.” So we are devoted to them and their well being and worry becomes normalized with them.
I am not saying that we should not be married or find a way out of marriage by any means, and neither does Paul. But, we should turn our focus on the LORD and avoid the anxieties that plague us as men.
“36If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 38So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.” – 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (ESV)
Paul points out that it is good and right if we just stay where we are and focus on the LORD. If that means staying unmarried, even to our betrothed, or being married. We are best to stay in that situation and turn our focus on the LORD and remove our anxieties. We are to remember the LORD and not the things of the world. We have to get our lives in balance with the LORD.
I spend my mornings reading and studying God’s Word. I am intentional about it. It is a wonderful amount of time each day and it really does get me moving in the right direction. And then I move to the things of the world, my wife, my boys, my household, my work, and all other things. But, I have started my day with the LORD and He remains with me the rest of the day guiding me away from the world’s anxieties.
We are not to give up on what the LORD has planned for us. He planned for me and Lori to be together and He blessed us with Bryson and Aarron. I do not wish for a different life at all. I am elated to have what the LORD has given to me. It is up to me to embrace where I am and turn my focus to the LORD daily and allow Him to deal with all that is in the world for me. He will point me where He wants me next, I only need to focus on Him.
Where is your focus? Are you focused on the things of this world and not necessarily on the LORD? What if you were to accept where you are and turn your focus on the LORD and allow Him to deal with the world and point your where He would have you?
Trevor's Thoughts 