So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. NASB

We are anxious creatures. We have a great deal to worry about. Ten years ago, you were careful to stay in your price range and bought a house. Now, you're six months behind on payments. You're wondering about your children and the company they keep. The office you work in is talking 'down-sizing". The school is in a legal battle with the ACLU. Your Dad is sick. He and Mom live on their Social Security and he's going to need long-term care. There is a lot to be worried about.

But, the Bible says not to worry! Each day is already filled with trouble, for sure! What does God want from me? Am I supposed to just chuck it all and not take care of these problems?

Worry is a big word. It has a lot of synonymous words; anxiety, stress, fearfulness, torment, uncertainty. But they all bear the same thing; a turning inward in our thoughts and emotions. When we are worried, we are focusing on the "what if' of a situation. 'What ifs' are unsettling and cause even more worry. Soon we're losing sleep, tired, and despondent.

Do we truly believe this is the way God meant for us to live? Of course not we say! He wants to give us abundant life, and freedom. So, we reel off every verse that comes to mind and claim it.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...and the lilies of the field neither toil nor spin...don't be concerned about food or drink, He came to give life abundantly and a man reaps what he sows...and I'm still anxious! I can't do this!

That is just what He is waiting to hear.

Many years ago I was at the end of my rope. Carrying a bag with my food for the day, my Bible, water, and writing materials,I was walking alone about sunrise, with the heaviest of burdens on my shoulders. I had soaked myself in the Word, I had prayed, I had done everything I knew possible to do and I was unable to go on. I threw everything on the street and screamed up to the heavens "I can't do this!". it was suddenly so quiet, and God said to me, "That's what I've been waiting to hear. No, you can't"

I was dumbstruck. The truth washed over me like a wave, a wind. I had been trying to do it. To not worry in the face of disaster. But not once had I really trusted God to take care of the situation. I was running around talking the talk, but without the power.

From that day on, I realized I had to give up my hold on tomorrow. He gave me all I needed to survive each day, so I learned to live for that day. And it got easier. Every time I let go of my need to be anxious, I found a new blessing. Instead of trying to be brave, or keep a stiff upper lip, I learned to let it go and give it up.

We have no real power over sorrow or fear without the love of God. But in His love, we are free. Fear, the enemy of peace, can not abide with trust.

We don't have to do anything, but let God the Father do it for us.

Let Him have today, and He will have tomorrow.


shalom! secondrider