Today’s scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Keith Phillips):
Worry and impatience are somewhat related. Each demonstrates a lack of trust in our dependable, gracious God. Somehow, we get it into our heads that this time God is not going to see me through the difficulty, this time God isn’t going to provide for my needs, this time God isn’t going to protect me from those who would hurt me. And, even if God might, God certainly isn’t doing it quickly enough for me.
I’m reminded of a wonderful story told by Corrie ten Boom, in whose home many Jewish citizens found a hiding place during World War II. As I remember it, Papa ten Boom, making the point that God gives us what we need when we need it and not necessarily when we want it, asked her, “Corrie, when you were a little girl, when did I give you your ticket for the train trip to Amsterdam?” “Just before the train pulled into the station, just before I needed it, Papa.” “So it is with God, Corrie.”
So it is with God. Thus far, God has provided what you and I have needed, or we wouldn’t be here; it’s self-evident. “You can’t always get what you want; but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need” (Rolling Stones, 1969). And since God has provided for us in the past, what makes us think that God won’t provide for us into the future? Worry and impatience and lack of trust/faith are somewhat related.
Oh, and I have always really liked verse 34: “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” When I read that verse, I think of the sign at Joe’s Crab Shack: “Free crab tomorrow.” Today’s problems are enough for today; I’ll worry about tomorrow’s problems tomorrow. When?!
Thought for the day: When I trust God, I discover that all my needs are taken care of, because God cares for me.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.