1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25




Thursday, March 31, 2011

Worrying

Matthew 6:27
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?


Last summer I downloaded some songs that I had not heard in years and then set out for a long run with my iPod. As soon as the songs began to play, I felt like I was transported back to years ago when I had first heard them.

As I listened to the songs, I began to think about all I had experienced over the years. I had gotten married, moved across the country, changed jobs, had kids, watched them grow. So much had changed but looking back, it was obvious God had been with me through it all.

Yet, I also considered that when I was actually experiencing those events of my life, I so frequently failed to see God in the circumstances and wasted time worrying about things. Yes, there were difficult, depressing, and even tragic circumstances over the past years, but my worrying had not altered a single moment or event.

Jesus asks us a critical question in today’s Bible verse: Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to his life? Our Lord knows that we are prone to worry, and He also knows the devastating effects that worrying has on our emotions, our bodies, and our spirits. What good has been accomplished in my life by worrying? Nothing. How much has worrying extended my life? Not at all.

But how do we stop worrying? Apart from God, we are inclined to do it, and cannot control that part of our lives. The good news is we are told to bring our worries to Him. He tells us to concern ourselves first with the things of Him and His kingdom, for He is the one who supplies our needs.

Bring your worries to your Father in Heaven and leave them there. The One who is faithful has promised to take care of the circumstances in your life.

Lord God, I know You have commanded me not to worry, but sometimes I feel as though I have no control over my thoughts. But You, Lord, are perfect in power. Lord, make my thoughts obedient to you so that I may not worry over the circumstances of my life. Increase my faith and trust in You, and give me Your peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.
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