"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Matthew 6:26-27 & 34

 March 1

"Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are? And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life?" -Matthew 6:26-27 & 34 (NET)

Do you have any worries today? If so, you are not alone! March is a month of transition poised between winter and spring bringing snow, sun, rain, blue skies, mud, ice, hints of green grass, and warm winds. Seasons and times of transition can be unpredictable and cause us to feel insecure. Worry or anxiety can be common occurrences in transition times. As we look into an unknown future, we sometimes try making plans to cover all circumstances. Before putting any plan into action, we need to ask two vital questions: (1) Is our plan in harmony with God's desire for us to have the best in life? (2) Will our plans work under real-life conditions? Planning for tomorrow is time well spent. Worrying about tomorrow is time wasted.

Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference. Wise planning thinks about goals, while trusting in God's guidance. Good planning helps us prosper and cures worry. Worriers are some-times trapped in fear and anxiety finding it difficult to fully trust in God's goodness. Chronic worriers may even find their fears interfering in relationships with family, friends, or God.

Don't let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with others today. Look outside your window at the birds feeding on the abundance in God's creation. As valuable and beautiful as birds are, Jesus says YOU are of much more value! God's personal love and provision for you is absolute. There is no need to be anxious. God will provide all you need!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for transforming my fear into faith and replacing all anxiety and worry with assurance you will provide for all my needs! Help me to plan wisely as I draw closer to you in thoughts and deeds. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Anxiety terrifies. Faith Unifies. Worry divides. God provides.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)