Do not worry

DAILY READING

Matthew 6:25-34 

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Don't Worry, Go Fishing

by Judy Webb

  33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

We all know a worrier, someone who will fret about anything. Sometimes maybe they believe that the more they worry about something, the better the situation turns out. They might deliberately  fuss over a situation figuring it will turn into nothing if they do. But that isn't growing our faith. And we will never get back those moments of joy we missed out on, or the all the precious time wasted.

Easier said than done, right? Given the atmosphere around us this past year and more, worry seems to come naturally. But the words, "do not worry about tomorrow," are right here in front of us. So, how can we not worry?

Ten years ago, following my husband's death I was worried about how I was going to go on. Then I was worried how I was going to make it financially. Then I was worried about what life would look like around the corner. It was during this time I began to understand a bit better about God. About his love, his provision, and his understanding.

Now, I see just how he has fulfilled his promise to care for me even more than he cared for birds of the air and the flowers in the field. I began to adopt the motto, 'don't worry, go fishing'.

God warns against the fruitlessness of worry with the words, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27) We know that worry may damage your health, but most important, it reduces our ability to trust in God. I have heard it said that worry is unbelief.

PRAYER PRACTICE

Dear God, help me to recognize my tendency to try to fix a situation by worrying about it. Remind me to turn all of my concerns over to you, giving them up in faith. Reveal to me the joy I will gain when I don't waste precious time attempting to handle your business. Give me the courage to pray about it and go fishing. Amen.