Daily Devotion
Scripture of the Day
Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? (
Matthew 6:28)
Reflection
The answer is no, by the way. And yet, I am plagued by anxiety. Have I done enough to smooth the edges? Have I been enough to magnify God’s name? Have I done something wrong to warrant your silence? Have I been ungrateful for all that I now have? Jesus cautions us that even if these questions are useful to ask, the anxious perseveration withdraws energy from the soul and usually makes matters worse. I have a nasty habit of thinking the worst after midnight. And once I have started down that path, I quickly spiral out until after sleepless, restless hours the sun rises and the day distracts me. Anxiety is the opposite of faith. If there are legitimate concerns to ponder, focus on the steps one can do in that moment to foster resolution. If none can be taken — and there are few options available at 3:00 am — then be of courage and have faith that God can keep watch.
Prayer
Jesus, faith is the trust and confidence that whatever lies undone can and will come to a good and blessed outcome. I accept that the path from here to there may not be easy. Grief, regret, second-guessing, loneliness, these are all obstacles on the path; they are not the final outcome. Amen.
