That sounds like an inflated promise, doesn't it?
I know it's true because these five words helped change me and the way I look at life. Here 
Live in day-tight compartments.
Dale Carnegie said that in his book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, which I checked out during our weekly trip to our public library. That phrase stopped me in mid-sentence.
As a young farm wife with four young children, I seldom sat down and never got through my To Do list. Our life brimmed with joy and hard work and the blessed sound of little girls giggling. I had everything to be thankful for--and I was--but I often felt overwhelmed.
Behind me stretched all the woulda, coulda, shouldas we all drag around with us. Ahead lay what promised to be an endless procession of more of the same.
(Just between you and me, when every day is another "growth opportunity" it wears you down.)
All the while I loved my husband and our kids with all my heart--still do--and trusted God would get me through.
Still, that nuisance inner voice whispered, "Are you sure you have what it takes? And if today got the best of you, how will you handle what comes up tomorrow?"
"Live in day-tight compartments"
Those five words gave me a new perspective. Carnegie used the analogy of an ocean liner, in which the captain shuts off any leaking compartments to keep the vessel afloat. We can live that way, too, he said.
So we close the door on yesterday and its failures, as deliberately as we shut the door on a closet that needs cleaning. Then we block the door on "what ifs" and on fears and worries about the future.
That leaves this day, the one we're living. From these 24 hours we determine to squeeze out every drop of joy and satisfaction.
As for troubles, Carnegie promised any of us can deal with anything for one day. What sinks us is wondering how we'll get through tomorrow and the day after that.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized he spoke truth. It sounds too simple, but great truths often are.
Jesus said it first
Remember the Sermon on the Mount? In Matthew, chapters 5-7, Jesus addressed the crowds. His words are loaded with wisdom for living and reminded us that God looks out for the birds of the air, so why wouldn't He provide for our needs?
Here's Matthew 6:34:
(Jesus said) "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (NIV)
Sounds a bit like "day-tight compartments," doesn't it?
The antidote to worry
Reading Carnegie's book pointed me in the right direction. Over the years I've read many other books that make similar points. As for prayer, well, it's been constant.
I've also been in lots of good Bible studies and mulled over Bible verses like Philippians 4:5-7, here from the J. B. Phillips paraphrase:
Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.
Are you searching for words that can change your life?
Although there are many great writers and many good books, one book stands out because it stands the test of the centuries.
If you're looking for words to change your life and give you peace, turn to the Bible. Perhaps you've tried to read it, but didn't/couldn't understand.
Try again. Start with the Gospel of Matthew or the Gospel of John. Ask God to open your understanding and stick with it. Little by little, the Holy Spirit will gently change you from the inside out.
Will you still have questions and struggles? Probably, either ongoing or from time to time.
Will it be a slow process? For most of us, yes, and you may keep growing for a lifetime.
Help can come from many sources.
Self-help vs. faith-on-the-grow
Dale Carnegie and many other writers taught me I had some control over my thoughts and attitudes. I'm thankful I read all those books.
Those books have never been quite enough to effect lasting change.
That came over the years as I read the Bible and talked to the Lord in prayer. I know now it's the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts that gently changes us from the inside out. Changes us for real.
Jesus said in John 10:10b:
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV)
Consider the Bible a storehouse filled with words that can change your life. Take them to heart, my friend, and be at peace.
God bless you,
Lenore
