Sunday, January 25, 2009

Do Not Worry by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew: 6:34 NIV).

Jesus spoke these words to his followers as he taught them how to live their lives in accordance to God’s will. It is familiarly called the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon can be read in Matthew chapters 5-7. I believe that worry is one of the most crippling disorders in our faith with God. We can get all caught up in issues that “might” happen and get lost in worry so much that even our health is impaired. Worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet, can cripple us with fear and doubt. We can get so caught up in the “what ifs” that we don’t enjoy the wonderful things that are happening around us at the present time. Jesus knew that as human beings it is very easy for us to forget that God is in control: that we can trust Him to take care of us and help us through anything that might happen. Jesus’ solution to worry is this: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew: 6:33 NIV). Here he is speaking about not worrying about what you will eat, or drink, or what you will wear because God knows that you need these things. All you have to do his seek his kingdom, do His will, and He will take care of you.
My challenge for you this week is that if you find yourself worrying about something, stop and pray. Tell Jesus what your are worrying about and imagine that He is taking your worry away and giving you strength and peace instead. Then make it a point that as soon as you start to worry you totally surrender it to the Lord, and remember: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Dear Lord,
Help us not to worry about tomorrow. Help us to give our worries to you, knowing that you will provide for us everything we need to cope with life’s unpredicted circumstances. Help us to trust you with our lives as we seek your kingdom and your righteousness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Perseverance: A devotion by Ann Broughton

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