Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

This week has been pretty overwhelming for many people. A new war has broken out in the Middle East. Horrific atrocities are happening, which sadly we have a front row seat to see. Economic collapse is being predicted by many and even the possibility of a global war is often talked about. At times like these we should remind ourselves of the Lord's words in Matthew 6: 34,

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (NIV)

Biblical Examples of Peace in Crisis

God has not left us without examples of what this kind of peace looks like in real life.

We are not the first to live in troubled times. Scripture gives us many examples of men and women who faced overwhelming circumstances yet found peace in God. Daniel slept peacefully in a den of lions because he trusted in the Lord’s protection. Paul, beaten and imprisoned, sang praises in a Philippian jail. Even Jesus, during a violent storm at sea, was so at peace that He slept while His disciples panicked. Each of these reminds us that peace doesn’t come from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God. If they could have peace in those moments, surely we can trust God to calm our hearts today.

Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

We are told many times in scripture not to worry. When we worry we have no inner peace. In John 14: 27 Jesus tells us that He gives us His peace. Because of this we shouldn't be afraid and we shouldn't be anxious (troubled) over things that happen tomorrow.

Cast Your Cares on Jesus, He Cares for You

In I Peter 5: 7, Peter explains that all of our cares, worries, anxieties, and concerns should be placed on Jesus. Why? Because He cares for us deeply and watches over us. What would life be like if we truly did give Jesus all of our worries? What would life be like if we felt the true peace of Christ, that passes understanding, in our hearts? What would life be like if we realized the total love that Jesus has for us?

Be Careful What You Feed Your Mind

This is not to say that we should hide our head in the sand and not keep up with what is going on around us. But we need to be careful what we feed our minds with. If it is nothing but a barrage of bad, sad news then why be surprised when we become anxious.

Deep Roots of Faith Bear Fruit in Drought

Jeremiah tells us in Jeremiah 17:7-8 that we are blessed when our confidence is in God. Jeremiah compares this person to a tree planted by the waters. When the scorching heat comes the tree still has green leaves. When there is a drought, it still bears fruit. The old hymn reminds us, "I Shall Not Be Moved." How can that be? Because the roots of the tree are like the roots of those whose confidence is in the God who never fails us, they provide life.

Prayer: The Bible’s Answer to Anxiety

Philippians 4:6-7 gives us an antidote to worry. In this passage we are told that in every troubling circumstance there is something we should do. We should pray by beginning with being thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on us and then we should present our requests to God. If we do this God promises to bestow the peace of Christ on our hearts. His peace will "guard our hearts". The Devil would like nothing more than to destroy our peace, have us in a constant state of anxiety and let doubts creep in. "Does God truly love you?" Satan will whisper.

Hope in the Return of Christ, Not Fear

Many today believe that Jesus's return is imminent. Perhaps it is. But that should not instill fear in us. That should bring hope. Evil's permanent defeat may be almost here. But if we still must wait a decade, a century or a millennium for His return we will still see Him when we die and that is not far off for any of us. Are we prepared for that? That is the most important question of our entire lives. Will He find us a faithful servant when He returns or when we die? Even in the face of death, God's Word gives comfort.

God Walks With Us Through the Darkest Valleys

Many of us are familiar with Psalm 23. Many of us can quote it word for word. But do we take those words to heart? Do you remember what the Psalmist says in verse four? "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;". Even in times when death is knocking at our door, we shouldn't fear evil. But why not? The Psalmist tells us, "For You are with me;". When God is at our side, we don't have to be afraid of evil. He tells us that God's rod and staff are what gives him comfort. The rod and staff were used by the shepherd to guard and defend his flock. So God guards and defends us.

Practical Ways to Guard Your Heart with Peace

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start by turning off the constant stream of bad news. Spend time each day in God’s Word and in prayer, even if it’s just a few quiet minutes. Thank Him for the blessings you still have, and ask Him to guard your heart with His peace. Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you and speak truth when fear tries to creep in. God never promised a trouble-free life, but He did promise to be with us through it. He whispers His sweet peace to us.

A Prayer for Peace in Every Circumstance

Jesus is the Lord of peace! My prayer today for you and myself is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:16,

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." (NIV)