MARCH 17, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

MARCH 17 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: 1 PETER 5:6-11

It was Jesus who told us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough troubles. Then again, we are not supposed to worry about today either. Worry changes nothing, but you…and not for the better. When worry consumes us it takes over our whole life. It is all we can see, and it causes us to miss so much the Lord has for us. When Jesus spoke of worry, He did so in relation to what God does for us. (Matthew 6:25-34). He talked about the birds and the flowers and how God takes care of them. Then He reminds us that we are worth much more to God and that He will take care of us. Worry causes us to close off God, while faith causes us to reach out to God. Worry has no good results...it cannot change a thing. Jesus asked the rhetorical question "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to your stature?" Only God can change things and that is why we are called to walk in faith toward Him.

Some would say, "I have great concerns in my life." The Lord in telling us not to worry was not saying there are not real concerns and genuine cares in our lives. What He was saying is that we need to, "Cast all our cares on Him, for He cares for us." Troubles are real. Hard times are real for so many in so many ways...pain, sickness and loss hurt us deeply in this life. God is aware of all of this in our lives, and He cares. But He tells us not to consume our energy worrying about what we can't change. Instead, we are to bring them to Him....for He can do all things. Don't miss today by worrying about today, tomorrow, or next year. Walk in faith casting your cares upon the Lord, so He can make your today all that He intends it to be for you. Remember, He who carried the sin of the world upon Himself is more than able to carry our worries, concerns and cares...and not only can He carry them, He wants to carry them for us!

Please share your thoughts.