Читать книгу Facing Financial Struggle - Wessel Bentley - Страница 9
ОглавлениеRead: Matthew 6:25–34
Don’t worry! This is easier said than done. How can one not worry during times of trouble? Reality tells us that our families need to be fed, our children need to be clothed, school fees need to be paid, and the list goes on. I do not think that Jesus was asking his followers, or us, to adopt a carefree attitude. In fact, if we did, we would soon find ourselves in even further difficulty and when reality knocks at our door, our worries would increase. From this passage, Jesus conveys two truths. The first is that worry has the tendency to take control of our lives. When this happens, it is very easy to fall into a state of panic. Panic doesn’t help our thinking and it certainly does not solve our problems. The second is that God is still God. When our worry turns to panic, our natural response is to try to take control. However, it is comforting to know that there is one greater than ourselves who loves us and who takes care of our needs. Take note that God takes care of our “needs”, not our “wants”. When Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, he reiterates this point by saying “…give us today our daily bread”*. Take a moment during the course of today to sit quietly on your own in your garden, or in a park. Look at the birds, the trees and the insects. God takes care of their needs. God loves you and will take care of your needs. Take this opportunity to surrender yourself into God’s hands. Allow God to harness your worry, to calm the panic and to assure you that God cares about who you are and what is taking place in your life.
Prayer
Almighty God, when I look at my troubles I feel overwhelmed. My troubles scare me and I wonder if there is anybody in this world who cares. Lord, please take care of my family and me as you take care of the birds of the air and the grass in the field. I surrender the following to you…
I pray for wisdom, so that I can find hope today, knowing that you are present even in my tomorrow. Amen.
Suggestion
When you feel yourself panicking, take note of your breathing. Slow down your breathing by inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Repeat the following words: “My God shall supply all my needs.”*
*The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9–13.
*See Philippians 4:19.
