I woke up this morning with several things on my mind and the temptation came to start worrying about what was going to happen tomorrow, the next day, next week and in the general future. However as I did this I started to feel more and more anxious until I realised my mistake – I was worrying about tomorrow when in fact Jesus said very clearly not to.
Instead He said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of it’s own. (Matthew 6:33-35)
“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?” (Matthew 6:25)
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan?* (Matthew 6:27)
“Let your gentleness be obvious to everyone. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7)
Instead of worrying, being anxious and in danger of becoming a “control freak” God wants us to trust Him with all our concerns, our dreams and the desires of our heart. He knows and loves us; He understands our situations and He wants and will work out the very best for us if we follow and trust in His way of doing things.
But when we worry we are in fact choosing not to trust Him to bring the best out for us in every situation which would be contrary to what He has promised in His word. When we fail to trust we essentially are believing that He is not faithful to His promises, which is believing a lie. Instead we feel the need to take the controls and try to make everything happen in our way, timing and plan which usually doesn’t work out so well, or with far more stress and upset than if we had just trusted God in the first place and stopped worrying.
Not worrying about tomorrow means we make our plans but we let the Lord daily direct our steps. It means waiting on Him each morning and seeking His direction and guidance for our day in everything – in our relationships, appointments, schedules, and time. We let Jesus “take the wheel” and allow Him to lead and direct, because He knows what we have to do and where we need and want to be, but He also has divine setups and appointments for us to walk in also. When we let Him lead us like that we can relax and just enjoy the day trusting that He will unfold and bring the best in our day.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Today whatever you are facing in life, whether that is relationship issues, jobs, education, family or a change in direction don’t fall into the trap of worrying and becoming anxious about it all. Instead take one day at a time; be thankful for the good things in each day and trust God to work out all things for your good both today, tomorrow and in the future.
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)
Prayer: Lord I’m choosing to take one day at a time and to trust you to bring the best out in every circumstance, and to work all things for my good. Jesus you take the wheel today and be in full control of my life. In Jesus name Amen.