Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand” 1 Chronicles 29:14, ESV
Theme: A living, active faith is generous, recognizing God as the Provider.
FROM WORRY TO WORRY
In every stage of life, we have things about which we can worry. Or there are things that can make us fearful. Kids worry if they leave their stuffy someplace; they’re fearful of the dark or of separating from mom to go into their classroom. Teenagers have all sorts of anxieties and concerns. As adults, we may laugh at how little those things matter. Or we can be in that same headspace, worried about being cool, loved, and approved.
In fact, adults are much worse. We worry about the monthly bills that we need to deal with. But we use our imaginations to go much farther than that. We conjure up scenarios that will never happen; we imagine horrible diseases where there are none; we fret about future events (and how much they will cost) decades in advance. But Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34, NLT).
FROM GLORY TO GLORY
Instead of focusing on and worrying about everything in our lives, Jesus has promised us peace. He has promised provision, our daily bread, protection from the Evil One. Did He say we would not have trouble? No. But He said He cares for the birds and the flowers of the field. And He knows my every need.
Paul says, “We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18, CSB). If I set my focus on beholding the glory of the Lord, and if I am longing and striving to be transformed into His image, the daily cares of this world will fade. I cannot stay focused on the face of God and still fear the expense of putting a child through college. I cannot be worried that, someday in the future, I might have Alzheimer’s, cancer, or Parkinson’s. I can tithe and share beyond that: my time, my resources, my attention, because my time is not wasted on worry. God has it all under His control.
Make It Personal: Are you focused on the here and now? Do you worry about the next years or decades? God does not want us to live that way. “Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Give you worries to God. Lay them down. Focus on the vastness of eternity and on your loving and powerful Father, Who knows your every need. Open your heart and your hands. Share, because God is caring for and will provide for you!
Pray: Lord, my days and nights can be so absorbed with petty things. They seem real and pressing at the time, but You are my Source and my Provider. Why do I waste a restless night planning and fretting, instead of turning to You? Help me to lay down my worries. Help me to open my hands and give generously, knowing You are the Lord of my life. You are in charge and as I obey You and give, You are honor-bound to care for me. Thank You so much. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 91:1-6; Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 11:28-30