You Are Not Alone
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are the Potter and I am the clay. Give me a supple, responsive soul to Your shaping hands.
Read Luke 12:22-34
[22]
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Meditate
“The storm may roar without me, / My heart may low be laid; / But God is round about me, / And can I be dismayed?” (Anna L. Waring, 1823-1910).
Think Further
In an uncertain world it is very difficult to escape the accompanying stress. The pace of life stretches us beyond our limits and we pay the price. Worry solves nothing and only makes us miserable. Indeed it often compounds the problem we are trying to solve. What do we do with it? First, remember that we do not live life alone. God is our heavenly Father. It is a poor Father who cares for his pets (ravens) and his garden (lilies) and neglects his children. Talk to him and trust him with your needs (not wants!).
That sets us free to serve. Being preoccupied with God’s Kingdom liberates us from our concerns. Perhaps we should see our needs as an opportunity for God to show his greatness and grace, and demonstrate how blessing can be found even in pain. Often the answer comes in ways we do not expect, but which reach deeper and so last longer than our pre-packaged expectations. Ultimately, God promises a place in his Kingdom. After that there is nothing left to give us, and nothing more we need.
Being Kingdom people encourages us to focus on others. Instead of wringing our hands, we can get to our feet and make a difference in others’ lives. This allows us to do good, and helps us regain perspective. The key to living life is to clarify carefully what matters, so that we are drawn in the right direction. This will help establish our priorities and shape our life choices. It will cause us to look afresh at our appointment book and our bank statement. It may even set us free to laugh more, relax deeper and enjoy sharing our life with God. It is hard to laugh and worry at the same time!
Apply
Materialism creeps in and switches the price tags. Put them back on the right items. Evaluate your attitude toward “things.”
Closing prayer
Lord, forgive me for switching the price tags. So often I focus on non-essentials and neglect things of the utmost importance. Today, may I, “… seek first his Kingdom …” at all times.
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