Do You Think It Is Possible To Not Worry?
Good Morning Friends,
Today we are having an event with One by One Leadership Foundation and there is always uncertainty around these things. And it reminds me that worry is the world’s most acceptable sin…and the preoccupation with the consequences of what might happen may help us plan, but can be overdone. Unfortunately, our hearts tend to be focused on ourselves when we worry, and we do not give God the credit for what He has done and is doing. Sometimes we even come into conflict with what God has planned for our lives. We make plans only to discover we have left God out of the equation. Our fantasy becomes more important than what God is doing. So we end up storing treasure in all the wrong places. The problem here is the desire to be in charge. We want to live the comfortable life and we want to be in control of it. The reality is that there are too many issues over which we have no control. Then suddenly we realize that if our priorities are not in order we are always going to be living in uncertain times. Do You Think It Is Possible To Not Worry?
Scripture: He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.”
Luke 18:27 (NRSV)
He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Luke 12:22-31 (NRSV)
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17 (NRSV)
Message: God sees beyond the horizon even if we do not. When we are too tired and stressed, He gives us rest. When we feel unloved, He loves us. When we believe we cannot go on, God tells us that His grace alone is sufficient. When we cannot figure it out, God directs our journey one step at a time. When we say we cannot do it, God tells us that in Christ all things are possible. When we figure it will not be worth it, God says it will be. When we do not want to forgive, God reminds us that He already has. When we admit that things are unmanageable, God demonstrates that He will supply all our needs. Friends, when we are afraid in an uncertain world, God reminds us that He has given us power and love and a sound mind. When we are worried, He asks us to caste all our cares on Him. Sure, we are to act in faith and creatively. And we are to believe that when we feel we do not have enough of whatever we think we need that God will supply just the right measure. Let’s face it we are not smart enough and yet God gives us wisdom to make it work anyway. When we feel alone, He reminds us that He will never forsake us. So friends, it is really pretty simple, either we are going to live our lives for ourselves, or we are going to realize we are on a journey with God that is to bless others. That is the way to stop worrying.
Pray our risks turn into blessings. Pray that when uncertainty comes we experience love and grace. Pray that our grateful praise strengthen our faith. Pray that we keep our priorities straight. Pray that we do something each day that is within our control to honor God. Pray that we join God when He is doing the impossible. Pray that our next step be bold because it is with Jesus. Pray we realize that when we are loving and giving we tend to not worry. Pray we realize that when God is in control we cannot worry. Pray we realize that in giving we become rich in the Spirit and filled to overflowing so that our worries wash away.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 