“’If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.’” (Matthew 6:30-34 The Message Bible)
My wife and I both woke up early Monday morning. It was about 3:15 a.m. At first, we didn’t let each other know that we were wide awake. However, as I laid there as still as I could, trying not to think about what I had to do Monday, I detected that she was just as wide awake as me. That’s not usual. So, finally I asked, “What are you awake thinking about?” Was I meddling or mostly concerned? Let’s go with the latter. Smile!
My wife responded to the inquiry I had posed, stating that she was thinking about finalizing a draft for a new Director of Outreach position to share with the Pastor, since it was mentioned that we needed someone on the Leadership Council to put a job description together. Yes, she was focused on giving her time to serve the church. She was not thinking about the bills that needed to be paid. She was not pondering on how our medical costs had risen since we are both retired. She was not thinking about going shopping for clothes, nor worrying about food or shelter.
My, my! God bless her! She was not worrying about the challenges that some of our older children might be facing or will face as the world changes. She was not worried about anything at all! Her mind definitely was not on the unseen, unopened, or unexpected tests or trials that she or we might have to face on that day or any of our tomorrows that we are blessed to see. I know that because I asked, “Are you thinking about our future, the days, month, and years ahead in our golden years; our winter season of life?” She calmly said, wide awake now, spiritually alert, “Why worry? God will take care of me! He is my Helper. I’m just going to trust Him for today.”
Her response changed how I looked at the day, for as I was awake, I had thought about Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. But like I said, she helped me focus on Monday and how I could serve the Lord, too. Hopefully her response helped you too, just now as you are readying. Have a great day! Be blessed!
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
I often find myself worrying about things like my family and my future. But when I opened my eyes this morning, I heard the song, “I’m Blessed.”
“God knows I’m blessed. When I look all around me and realize I’m blessed.”
Sometimes, we get so caught up in worrying about what tomorrow may bring that we forget to thank God for the blessings we have today. I’m learning to stop worrying and start thanking God, because no matter what I’m facing, I am truly blessed!
Thank you LaTanza for your response. You may help other readers in their efforts to stop worrying, start counting their blessings, and putting things in God’s hands. Be blessed!
Thank you for reminding me keep my mind stayed on Jesus I too
Can be blessed and not worry about the days of ahead
I must do like Sister King and wake figuring out what does
God want me to do? Now I’ll have a blessed day.
Thank you, Deaconess! God has got you and He will see you through all you days! Waking up and figuring out what God wants us to do with the day, assures that we stay not on God-conscious, but also a blessing. You do that well! Be blessed!
What a meaningful testimony. When I think of the goodness of the Lord, I can’t help but praise Him and give Him the glory. Tomorrow is never promised. If you are blessed to see another day, give Him what He deserves on that day. Be glad, rejoice, serve Him as if it were your last. You never know.
Your new days are filled with gladness. Your gladness is seen in your actions and serving. Retirement has not stop you from reaching up and reaching out. Have a great day, every single day. Thank you for your thoughtful and open response. Be blessed!