Matthew 6:27 – And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
A rhetorical question that we all know the answer to – no one! I recall going on a cruise with some friends a couple years ago, and my roommate and I had a balcony. Every morning I made it a point to do my daily devotion on the balcony prior to us leaving the cabin for a day of fun. I was going through such a difficult time during that particular cruise. I barely had the money to go, but knew I needed a break. It seemed like everything was crashing down around me. The most frustrating piece was that I was doing things “God’s way". It seemed everyone else who was doing their “own thing” were advancing in life, while I felt so stagnant. [Side Note: Stop comparing yourself to people, especially non-believers. It does nothing but breed discouragement and envy - Galatians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 10:12] I felt alone, isolated, anxious about my future and honestly scared of the problems I was facing. Although I was going through those things, I remained faithful in devotion and prayer.
One morning while on the cruise, in the middle of the ocean, I opened my devotion book. The verse of the day was from Matthew 6:26 which states: “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more value than they?” Right at that moment, as I read that verse, in the middle of the ocean, two birds flew up out of nowhere. [I still get goosebumps repeating this story]. It is as if God wanted to show me right then and there, the Scripture was real. I just smiled and in my heart said “God, I get it”. During that “Day at Sea” God wanted me to realize that I couldn’t add an hour to my life and worrying was not going to get me anywhere. I made a decision that day to stop worrying about my current situation and focus on the Scripture and God’s promises over my life. In the coming months I began to see such a drastic change. Since my outlook changed, my attitude towards my problems did as well. Then as my attitude changed, so did my circumstance.
Scripture states “fear not”, “do not be dismayed”, “do not worry” so many times and it serves as a constant reminder that we need to put our trust in God. He is the author of time, and more specifically our story. If He takes care of the animals, do you think He will forget about you? You may be going through a tough time, but if you only knew what the view was like on the other side of the mountain you would keep pressing forward.
In conclusion I leave you with this; don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today (Matthew 6:34). Each day has enough challenges as is, do not add to it by worrying about EVERYTHING else. Relax! I challenge you to look at things from a different angle this week. Allow God to mold your outlook on your current situation and your life in general. Many times it is in the season of despair God is shaping you. I know it easier to ask God “When will this be over”. Instead ask God “Help me to RELY on YOU” and “What are you trying to teach me”. In every season there is a lesson to learn. Be open to the lesson, so you can pass the test and there will be no need to repeat the course.
For HIS glory only…..
May God richly bless you!
XOXO
Danielle