Jesus had the audacity to tell his followers to “not worry.” Jesus said: “do not worry about your life" (Luke 12:22). How could Jesus be so cavalier and tell people to chill out, doesn’t he know that life is stressful and that many people are dealing with a multitude of difficulties, challenges and unknowns? But Jesus is not judging emotions! He acknowledges that they exist and he points people toward something more productive. We are to not worry and, “instead, strive for God’s kin-dom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:31)
From that centered, God-first orientation, we find ourselves in a place of abundance. The more we put our attention on God, the more we receive from God: things like peace, grace, strength, goodness, hope, mercy, confidence, assurance, guidance, wisdom, revelation and an inexhaustible supply of the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray …
Thank you, O God, that you are an ever-present help in times of trouble. We do not want the distractions of this world to be a barrier to being transformed by Your love. We do not want our worries to get in the way of Your call to advocate for justice. Remind us that Your perfect love casts out fear. Remove from us any fretting so that we may serve You fully and boldly today. Amen.
PRAYER SUBMITTED BY:
REV. ELDER GOUDY
Since 1999, Goudy has served as pastor at MCC of the Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, PA, USA.
