Don't Worry About It

Today’s passage comes at the perfect time.  Since yesterday’s election, the internet has been bombarded with differing opinions.  One side of the aisle claims that everything will now be fixed while the other says we are all doomed.   We are such a polarized nation, but both parties had one thing in common on Tuesday.  Before the results were reported both sides were consumed with worry.  

Both parties were worried that if the “wrong” candidate won, we were fated for disaster.  Matthew 6:25-34 has something to say about that. I’m sure you have been told, “No matter who wins, remember God is still on the thrown and Jesus is still King.”  Yes, that is true.  Very true.  Matthew’s message is even more personal than that. 

Verse 25 says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…”  Verse 26 reads, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Don’t miss that, “ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY?”  God loves you.  He has a plan for you.  He has numbered the hairs on your head.   So, what do we do when we are consumed with worry?  Verse 33 answers that question, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  To seek his kingdom, we must take our attention away from what is causing us to worry.

Maybe you’re not concerned with politics but your family is going through a tragedy.  Perhaps your job is consuming your thoughts day and night.  So many things take us down a path of worry.  Take some time and seek God’s kingdom.  Write down a memory verse and focus on that when the worry creeps in.  Pray that God will show you how to focus on his will for you and not your worry. 

Heavenly Father,

Please help me in my time of worry.  I can’t control everything that is going on around me and so I give it to you.  I know you love me and you have a plan for me.  Show me how to seek your kingdom and not my worry.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Read today's passage here Matthew 6: 25-34

The Story - Chapter 11 - 1 Samuel 24

God is so amazing that often He takes my breath away. This is Election Day and the lesson I am sensing from today’s reading affirms that God is in control. Romans 13:1-7 teaches that God has placed the government and its leaders in power. We may not know why, but like David, we are to respect the positions and roles of those to whom God has given authority.

Saul had been chasing David down for months. He felt threatened by the young man, he was jealous of him and intended on killing him. David knew this, was running from the King and hiding in a cave when King Saul was almost presented to David on a platter. Had David’s heart been like Saul’s, the King would have been killed on the spot.

When the opportunity had passed and Saul was out of harm’s way, David came out of hiding to let Saul know how close to death he had come.

(1 Samuel 24:11-12)
“See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.”

Saul and David both knew that one day the younger man would be king. David had vowed not to wipe out Saul’s descendants. This promise will lead to a very interesting story in the pages to come. But, for today, we are faced with a dilemma. The election – how do we vote, who deserves our support? I don’t know the right answer, but I do know that come Wednesday morning, God will still be King no matter who is elected as our earthly leader.

  Read 1 Samuel 24 here

Listen to 1 Samuel 24 here