Worry

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

“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 6:28-34 (NIV))

What do you worry about in this troubling economy? Perhaps I should ask the following question. Do you still seek His kingdom first?

It is so easy to get overwhelmed with the news that we are constantly bombarded with. We hear of job cuts, housing foreclosures, furloughs, and many more troubling situations that are all related to our daily ways of life. It is no wonder why so many people are so concerned about whether they will have a job and how they will survive if they become one of the unemployed. I dare to say that even strong believers have wavered during these uncertain times. Lets face facts. Even when things are going fantastically, if we stop to worry about the scenarios that could unfold, we could go crazy. We could lose our faith.

Staying focused on Jesus is always the best thing to do. When things are great, praise God for what He has blessed you with. When things are only okay, praise God for what He has blessed you with, for He has still given you life and much more. When things are bad, take heart, for He will use the circumstances to teach you something about your faith and about Him. Even when things are bad, continue to praise Him for all that He has done, and for all that He will do.

Nothing in this world lasts forever. You cannot expect your life to be just as it is now for the rest of your life. How can you mature in your faith if everything is simply handed to you. I like the way that Paul states it.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV))

Fully rely on God for all that you need and His strength will see you through whatever you may face.

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org