August 2: Unworried

This has been a worrisome summer. Anxiously awaiting the results of doctors' tests. It is difficult for worry and peace to reside in the same heart. I was always taught that worrying is another way of saying, "God can't handle His job." Great, now I have guilt on top of the fear.

My wife reminded me of a poster hanging in her classroom...

"Worry does not rid tomorrow of it's trouble, but it robs today of its strength." ~ Mary Engelbreit

Worrying about tomorrow robs today of its joy. That reminded me of the words of Jesus...

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?"

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(Matthew 6:25-34)

When worry is present faith is usually not. When faith enters worry has no choice but to pack his bags and leave.

Faith is a verb, not a noun; it is an action more than a thing. Do you faith God? Do you trust Him unconditionally?

Beth Moore, one of my favorite Bible teachers says, "There is a world of difference between believing in God and believing God." When we trust Him our worry is replaced by His peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

Are you worried today? Why not pause right now and ask God to envelope you with His presence and His peace?

PJT