Theme: Driven
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Cannons - Phil Wickham, All Over the World - Matt Redman, Today is the Day - Lincoln Brewster, The Stand - Hillsong
Read: Psalm 139:16; Matthew 6:24-34
Think: I was reflecting this morning on how much I worry. It’s so easy to worry, isn’t it? One moment I am as content and as satisfied as is humanly possible, and then in the very next moment, I can grow concerned about having enough. I don’t even have to try to worry, it just happens.
This morning I was driving in the snow, and I was very content, enjoying the beauty of the landscape covered in white. Then, I began to notice cars parked on the side of the road, and as I was headed up a large hill, there was a vehicle stuck in front of me, blocking the lane on my side. Almost immediately, I began to worry…will my car make it, will I be stuck, and am I going to slide back down the hill? It was almost paralyzing.
In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus addresses worry in a most interesting way. He tells us that we can’t serve both God and money, and connects worry directly to serving money. So to worry then, about what we eat, drink, and wear, and about whether there will be enough for tomorrow, is to serve the wrong master? For Jesus, the answer is a simple and resounding yes. Those that seek the Kingdom of God first and its righteousness above all, have no need to worry, because God will give them everything that they need. Everything.
Pastor Paul reminded us on Sunday that God has an incredible plan for each of us, and that each and every day of our lives has been recorded and laid out. This should give us incredible faith to move forward into what God has for each of us. And yet, so often, we are waylaid by worry and fear, and are tempted to protect ourselves from the possibility that God’s plans just won’t work out. Jesus puts it simply…we can’t have it both ways. We have to choose. So let’s move forward into the beautiful plan that God has for us, seeking him first, leaving the worries of this life that so easily paralyze and entangle, behind us.
You are probably wondering if I made it up the hill in the snow. I did, thank God. It seems that is so often the story of my life…I worry, and yet I make it through regardless. Maybe it is time to stop worrying.
Do: Examine your life this morning. Are you often paralyzed by worry? What things does that worry prevent you from accomplishing? Remember a time when the Lord provided for you or those you love in spite of your worries. Ask the Lord to strengthen you and enable you to focus on living out his plan today, with worrying about tomorrow.
Pray: God, thank you so much for your incredible faithfulness in my life. Forgive me for doubting you, and allowing worry to poison my heart and mind. Today, allow me to focus on what you will accomplish in me and through me, and to let my fears and worries about tomorrow go.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.