Dec 28 2021

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Sometimes, it's easier for us to count all the problems in our lives, rather than the blessings. Why? Because problems often speak louder and drown out everything else that's going on.

It can be frustrating when we want to plan for the future, but can't get past the concerns of today. It never works because it's not God's plan for us. We were never meant to carry the worries of the day. They should pass through our hands and into God's hands.

Matthew records the words of Jesus that remind us not to worry about tomorrow. That does not mean we don't think about tomorrow, but we needn't fret about what's going to happen.

It's impossible to give our lives to God while trying to figure things out on our own. Those ideas are contrary to each other. God asks us to give Him our entire lives -- each minute and hour, today, tomorrow, ten years from now. By worrying, we are choosing to remain in control as we try to manage our own lives. Worry is a distraction that can keep us from following God's voice. It causes us to focus on what's wrong instead of Who can make it right.

Today, we can choose to trust God with everything. Allowing Him to guide us and trusting Him to take care of us. God never wants His children to live with worry and fear. If we can turn our attention to the blessings in our lives, we will quickly release our worries to God.

God, there are times when my mind is flooded with worry and fear. In those moments, I pray that I look to you. I am not capable of handling the concerns of life on my own, and I know it was never a burden that you wanted me to bear. When I lie down at night, I pray that you will fill me with your peace. Help me to see the blessings all around me that far outnumber the areas I'm struggling with. Today, I choose to trust you with all of my tomorrows. In Jesus's name, amen.

Dec 27 2021

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. :

When we come to a place where we can trust God with our lives, we are growing in our relationship with Him.

In this afternoon's verse in First John, we read that if we ask anything, God will hear us. But there are some words between those two clauses that people often forget about or conveniently ignore. The Scripture says that if we ask anything according to His will, God will hear us.

This verse, without those qualifying words, has justified the actions of many who pray for extravagant things, and expect God to hear and answer their prayers. Isn't God saying that we can ask for a million dollars and He will hear our prayers? Some people believe so -- but that isn't what Scripture says. Only when we ask according to God's will does He hear and answer our prayers.

That means we intentionally seek the heart of God. We read His Word and learn about His character. He is our Father and He loves to give good gifts to His children. However, only He knows what is best for us.

Asking according to God's will begins by saying, "God, you know what I need. If it is your will, please provide _______ for me." Then we leave the results up to Him. We don't make demands of God; we simply come to Him in humility and ask.

God can give us confidence to know His character and understand His will for our lives, so that we ask for the right things. When we pray, we know that God always hears us. Let's make our prayers line up with God's Word and with an understanding of how He has always taken care of His children.

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful you hear my prayers. I know that sometimes I miss the mark in what I ask for because I think I know what I need. I don't want to pray selfish or greedy prayers, and I don't want my prayers to be in vain. Because you created me and have given me everything I have, help me have confidence that you know best how to provide for me. Help me study your Word faithfully so I know more about you. Thank you for all you have given to me. In Jesus's name, amen.


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