Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 21, 2020
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
This morning I woke up feeling a little anxious. I wasn’t surprised since I’ve spent several hours over the last couple days feasting on the national news.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I’m anti-news, anti-preparation, or anti-information. It’s just that all of the speculating about what disasters and hopelessness lies ahead for those of us in the United States—and the world—got me uptight.
In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Thoughts that are obedient to Christ are trusting thoughts, thoughts rooted in His truth, His love, and the knowledge that He will care for all that concerns you. Obedient thoughts bring peace. Thoughts based on speculations, when not accompanied with trust in Christ, bring fear and anxiety—which is exactly what I experienced.
Our minds are one of the most powerful assets we have. With our minds, we can imagine good or evil. We can focus on thoughts that bring faith or fear. With our minds, we can speculate about all the horrible things that we imagine are ahead—and that will make us nothing but miserable.
One of my best girlfriends has a favorite saying: “Stay in the day.” This means that we choose to trust God with the present and don’t get ahead of him by speculating about tomorrow when we don’t know anything about it. Tomorrow belongs to God.
When you stay in the day it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our best to be prepared for tomorrow. But it does mean that we intentionally choose to trust God—and recognize that we can’t ultimately predict what will happen tomorrow. And, we recognize that all the worrying in the world won’t change what happens.
Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34). Basically, he was saying, “Stay in the day.”
So, what does that practically mean for you and me given what is happening in our culture?
When we hear someone speculate about how many people will become ill in the future, we choose to stay in the day.
When we start to spin in worry about not having enough money for tomorrow, we remember that God has promised to always care for us, and we stay in the day.
When we’re concerned that our loved ones will be hurt, we stop our negative thoughts, and we stay in the day.
When we worry about not having enough to eat, we focus our thoughts on our Provider, Jesus, and we stay in the day.
While it’s good to be prepared, speculating and imagining about the future causes nothing but panic—and it’s not what God wants for any of his kids.
What are you worried about in the future? Stay in the day, friend. Trust Him with your moments. You’ll be glad you did.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”(Psalm 56:3).
Prayer
Lord, thank you that you have taken care of me, and you will always care for me. Nothing can ever stop you from looking out for me. I am yours and you are mine. When I start to worry, help me to remember that you are always with me and you will never leave me nor forsake me. Amen.
Application
Write down your worries on slips of paper, then burn them. And as you do, confess that you trust Jesus. Then, choose to stay in the day.
Related Reading
Psalm 56:3-4; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:1-3
Here is a helpful resource during these days of grief, sorrow and uncertainty: A Little Book of Comfort
Post/Tweet today
Stay in the day and pray, trust tomorrow’s cares with Christ. #faith #WisdomHunters #truth #Jesus
Worship Resource
7 minute video: Elevation Worship/Brandon Lake:
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Thank you Shana for once again, a great timely post. Your devotions always encourage and boost my faith.