Thoughts
What sort of thoughts are you allowing to take up space in your mind?
Make a list of what’s bothering you right now, and talk to God about what’s on that list.
God, Thank You for being my constant source of strength and peace. Every battle I face has already been won. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Worrying
We Won’t Break
As a native Californian and lover of all things sunny, I shy away from all things cold. I do, however, enjoy beautiful photos of snow. So I couldn’t help but smile when my friend from Illinois shared a winter picture of a sapling outside her window. Admiration turned to sadness when I noticed its bare, knotted branches bowing under the heavy fringe of sparkling icicles.
How long could those bending boughs endure before breaking under their icy burdens? The heaviness threatening to crack the tree’s limbs reminded me of my shoulders, hunched beneath the weight of worries.
After Jesus affirms that the greatest treasures are not earthly or temporary, He encourages us to release our anxious thoughts. The Creator and Sustainer of the universe loves and provides for His children, so we don’t have to waste our precious time worrying. God knows our needs and will care for us (Matthew 6:19–32).
He also knows we’ll be tempted to succumb to worry. He tells us to come to Him first, trust His presence and provision in the present, and live by faith one day at a time (vv. 33–34).
In this life, we’ll face overwhelming troubles and uncertainties that can make our shoulders droop. We may temporarily bend under the weight of worrying. But when we trust God, we won’t break.
Thanks for assuring us that we never have to worry, Lord, because You never fail to meet our deepest needs. Amen.
I was so uplifted and encouraged by this devotion today. I was reminded of this setting of scripture in Ephesians 6:11, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The Lord has given us instruction and guidance in His word to overcome worry and fear. It’s up to us to reach out, grab it and apply it to our lives every single day. Remember, live by faith one day at time, worry won’t break us when we trust the Giver of all good things. Let your faith be bigger than your fears.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6:25-34
Win Over Worry
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matthew 6:27)
Jesus knew all about our inclination to worry when He asked, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27).
Maybe worrying is in your genes, you nurture it every time you allow it to take root in your thoughts. I myself have wasted time and energy letting my mind get worked up over situations my heavenly Father had under His control.
Scripture reminds me I have a loving Father who cares even for birds: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26). When I call to mind that God feeds even sparrows, I’m reassured. I remember my heavenly Father sees me, loves me and cares for my needs.
What about you, friend? You might have some pressing uncertainties in your life. Trouble at work may be wearing you down. Concern for your kids can keep you up at night. Bills might look big at the end of the month, and a simple visit to the doctor can turn your life upside down.
Let’s flex our faith muscles today.
Rather than waste time and energy on worry, let’s use it to build our faith. Why replay fears in our minds when we can choose to remember God’s truth instead? What if we look to His Word to find a specific Scripture verse that addresses our concerns?
We can flip fear with the Word of God. Worrying won’t change our situation, but God’s Word can. When anxious thoughts come, let’s call to mind God’s promises and meditate on His faithfulness. Let’s turn our worries into prayers as we proclaim God’s powerful Word over ourselves and the people we love.
After all, our heavenly Father calls each star by name, and He sees each sparrow when it falls. We can trust Him to take care of us.
Lord, I know You love and care for me and the people in my life. Help me learn to trust You. Give me grace to believe that You will work for good in every situation. Help me to lay worry aside and flex my faith muscles instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I pray this touches someone today as it did I when I read it. God is so good about speaking right into my situation. His timing never ceases to amaze me. I’m going to flex my faith muscles today!! Amen! Thank You my Savior!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 5:7