Do Not Worry About Tomorrow.

My reading this morning included the passage, Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

This started a whole train of thought that has spanned many years. In an effort not to worry, I often use the term “concern” instead.

I am concerned about the Nation of Israel, and consider the Biblical Prophecies regarding that beleaguered country.

I am concerned about the welfare and conditions, not only in my own country, but in the world.

I am concerned about my family, and particularly for those who do not have a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am concerned about the health of loved ones, and could continue with all my “concerns” which I hasten to add are not “worries” as such, but they can sometimes be overwhelming. Sometimes I can be tempted into a little questioning, a little doubt, and even a little depression. At such times I have to resort to “The Cure.” It is a road much travelled, and its direction starts with a gentle reminder when I ask, “Where is God in this?”

I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

Years ago, at a really deep and dark place in my life, I decided that God could not actually care about me and my worries. After all, if He did, He would answer my prayers as I had asked. Instead of His meeting my requests, things went from bad to worse. I didn’t recognise it at the time, but I was praying Psalm 4, verse 1.

Answer me when I call to You, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

I can testify wholeheartedly that The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

The years have rolled on, and I have repeated another verse from that Psalm which may help you realise why it is so special to me. V2,  My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

I have learned that taking my problems to Him, with praise and thanksgiving, brings me peace.

During the day I have reflected on the many times when my concerns have been relieved and often proved unfounded. Even ongoing concerns receive His gentle reminders that He is at work, my God in whom I trust.

I wear an anchor, not a cross, and often say that it symbolises my Lord being my Anchor, but also the Rock to which I am anchored. The sea fascinates me, and therapeutic blessings can always be found along the shore, watching the waves, thinking of an old favourite hymn, “Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm doth bind the restless wave …”

I have just received an e mail that blesses my spirit, and which will surely be an encouragement to anyone who has given in to doubts or fear, or who needs a reminder that there is One waiting to help. The following comes from the words of a hymn by Mary A Baker, “Master, The Tempest Is Raging.”

2^nd verse

Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today
The depths of my sad heart are troubled
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul
And I perish! I perish! dear Master
Oh, hasten, and take control.

Have you felt this way? Cried out to be rescued from whatever storm has threatened to engulf you? The chorus reads:

The winds and the waves obey Thy will
Peace, be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea
Or demons or men, or whatever it be
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will
Peace, peace, be still!

The Lord redeems His servants; no-one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:22)

He who holds the future has proved Himself faithful, so rest in Him.