“DO NOT WORRY”

“DO NOT WORRY”

Monday, August 15th, 2022

By Rev. Mark Muckler

SCRIPTURE

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 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? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 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. – Matthew 6:25-34

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

Today we live in trying times. Political tensions in D.C., racism across our country, confusion over our God-given sexuality, the Word of God being in question, the Coronavirus pandemic, sky-rocketing gas prices, an uncertain economy, … all of these things tremendously affect the congregations we serve and even our own families with whom we live and love. Trying hard to love and serve all those whom the Lord brings our way can certainly seem like a daunting task. In 2021, the Barna Institute reported that nearly 40% of pastors contemplated leaving the ministry. It’s no wonder though, right? The past couple of years especially has been quite the challenge.

Hear this though, be not discouraged, be not afraid. Keep your head up and stay the course. Run the race with perseverance. For we are not alone, thanks be to God! The Lord is with us to guide, heal, provide, sustain, comfort, and be glorified. I am reminded that somehow, and in some way, “God works all things together for the good of those who love him.” – Romans 8:28. Even when life seems to be full of chaos, and even out of control, let us be reminded of The ONE who is in control of all things. The Lord Jesus Christ was, is, and will always be Lord of All. Our God loves, cares, nurtures, and provides a peace that surpasses all understanding in uncertain times. I remember reading a quote from Rev. Jeff Greenway recently. He said, “When our worry superimposes the ‘future’ onto the ‘present’, today is emptied of it’s strength.”

We need not worry. Lay all your worries and your cares at the feet of Jesus. And don’t pick them up again. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” – Proverbs 3:5-6. Pray continually, lean into the Lord, and simply focus on the here and now, one day at a time, one moment at a time. Take good care of yourself. Rest. Sit quietly with the Lord who calls you by name, who restores your soul.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

How about you? How are you? How is it with your soul? Are you stressed, anxious, worried about tomorrow? Be encouraged in knowing that you’re not alone. The Lord our God is with us. The Lord our God is with YOU! Jesus once said, 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30. Take time to be led by the still waters for the Lord to restore your soul. Reach out to other colleagues, family, and friends. Remember your call to ministry and the clarity of God’s love for you and the Lord’s calling upon your life, not only to lead … but to “BE LED” by Him who is always with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Jesus said, “for I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20. Thanks be to God for His abiding presence, and for His unconditional mercy and love.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Remind me that You are always with me, and that I shall not be afraid of whatever the future may hold. I know that Your perfect love casts out all fear, O Lord, so please remind me of that. I lay all my worries, cares, and concerns at your feet. Help me not to take them up again. I trust You Lord with everything. Strengthen my faith, protect me from anxiety and worry, for I know this is not your will for me. Minister to my heart Lord Jesus that I may stand firm upon Your Word and Your promises. Empower me with Your Holy Spirit to live courageously today and to face the future unafraid. Lead me, guide me, protect me, strengthen me, and be glorified in and through me in such a way whereas it has nothing to do with me, but rather ALL about your goodness and grace. Thank You Jesus for Your never-ending love. I praise You and I give You thanks for Your abiding presence. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. – AMEN

RESOURCE/APPLICATION

Where are you finding rest for your soul?

Who do you know that you can talk with to be encouraged, lifted up, and even prayed for regularly?

If you are unsure how to answer that question, please let us know. We aren’t meant to do life alone, or in isolation. We would cherish the opportunity to journey alongside you in faith. Click the link below to set up an appointment.

https://www.harveststoneministries.org/spiritual-direction