WATCHWORD:
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet i will rejoice in the lord, i will be joyful in God my Savior. The sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Meditation:
Seventy-three Cents
I was fixing a lamp, an old, interesting lamp with a handmade stained-glass shade, slightly warped from the heat of the light bulbs. It’s beautiful and well worth restoring. I needed light bulbs to complete the process and had gone to the hardware store. My purchase came to $3.27. I had $4 in my pocket. I paid, put the seventy-three cents in my pocket and headed to the bank, thankful that I can restore cash to my pocket. Some people can’t do that and, for them, it is a constant worry.
Worry. A recent Watchword was entitled ‘Do Not Worry!’, an imperative. In Luke 12:29 the physician repeats Jesus’ words, “Do not worry…” Then Matthew comes along in Chapter 6:31, and tells us Jesus said, “…do not worry.” The command is repeated by both John and Mark. That would suggest that God actually said it, and He probably meant it! That means that you and I need to stop worrying!
But that brought still another thought to mind, from scripture and from my education as a psychologist. 1 Peter 5:7 carries the admonition to “Cast all of all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Worry and anxiety are closely related and they can both do damage to your peace. If you don’t mitigate your worries and anxieties they will eat a hole in your soul, in your peace of mind, in your relationship with others.
As believers in Christ we know that his divine power has given us everything we need to live these lives of ours according to his purpose for us. He has promised us that we need not worry, that we need to resist the devil knowing he will flee from us. When we are all tied up in worry and anxiety, we are acting as if we don’t trust the Lord. Without that trust, we have separated ourselves from Him. Something to think about.
Sometimes we use the words peace and joy interchangeably, and rightfully so. The first time I was aware of the power of God’s peace was shortly after my wife died, I vividly remember asking God why am I not grieving deeply, covering myself with ‘sack cloth and ashes’? I realized that what she and I had talked about many times, had taken place and we were at peace, even on ‘that day’. That thought alone gave me comfort, knowing that she was here, just ‘in the next room.’
Grief is a cousin of worry. Over my years I’ve encountered times, just as you have, when we walked through the valley of darkness, disappointment, loss, and, in the midst of that, became aware that we feared no evil. I had one sustaining thought through all of those moments; that God is in charge, that God loves us, and that I need not worry. May it be so with you. Amen.
What Others Are Saying:
From an independent reviewer — “Journey into the heart of ancient Judea through the riveting narrative of The Inn on Jericho Road. The tale immerses readers in the world of a Samaritan merchant, traveling the perilous path along the Jordan River, where his journey follows that of Jesus Christ, in His final weeks. That is, until their paths cross, and everything changes for the merchant.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly father, I rejoice in Your provision for my life. Today I choose to lay aside anxiety and worry. I repent of ignoring Your direction in the past. My future is secure in You and You’re great provision for my life. I will lift up my eyes to my King and my Redeemer. You are my help and my provision. You are my sustainer and my deliverer. You are my strength and my exceeding great reward. Let the name of Jesus be exalted throughout the earth, in His Name I pray, amen.
