Today’s scripture: Luke 12:22-34 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Angie Eden):
People who don’t know God and the way God works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how God works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
“Let go and let God” is easier said than done. Resting in God’s promises leads to a peace I know is possible but yet struggle to obtain. Worrying, on the other hand, comes naturally. It’s my default setting. But I’m not a computer. Getting serious about changing this setting will take more than just a couple of clicks in my control panel. It will take an intentional, daily act of affirmation; an act of meditation; an act of remembrance. All of which are right at my fingertips thanks to an act of Congress.
The phrase “In God We Trust” has a long and lackluster history. First appearing in the fourth stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner (which was written in 1814) the mighty little adage ultimately found its way as our national motto thanks to the efforts of a preacher during the Civil War who petitioned the Treasury Department to recognize God in some form on our coins. It took nearly a decade before the four words were decided upon and eventually adopted by an act of Congress in 1873. Over the years, the phrase would find its way onto paper money and become formally adopted as the national motto of the United States.
My challenge for 2013, and one you may feel led to make in your own life, is to truly “Let go and let God.” With help from the words found here in Luke, about how God cares for the flowers, birds, and fields and how much more God cares for me, I will make “In God We Trust” more than a motto — I will make it my dominant mindset and welcome the peace God wants me to have.
Thought for the day: For today, give God thanks for caring for your every need and confess those moments in which you forget or question God’s care. Today and every day look at the spare change in your car’s cup holder or in your pocket and affirm to yourself, “In God I will trust.” Defeat worry with God’s word.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.