Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Basic Trust; Basic Fear


Wednesday, May 21, 2014
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat?  What will we drink?  What will we wear?’  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.     Matthew 6:31 - 33 (NLT)
Jesus was talking to everyday folks about the basics of life.  We live in such an affluent society it is difficult imagining someone worrying about not having enough food to eat.  In America we are just now beginning to face the reality that most of us eat far too much.  But Jesus was talking to people who had to struggle just to eat, right?  This is about poverty, right?  This is about third world countries, right?
Or is this about where I live every day?  Is this about that worry bone inside me that finds it difficult to trust God?
Much of Holy Scripture says we must trust God.  Trust is in short ration these days.  Who trusts politicians, economic forecasts, or hedge-fund salesmen?  We hardly trust the weather man on TV.  Yet the faith once delivered to the saints is all about trusting in God in everything – from food for today to salvation for eternity.
Here is just a small sampling of Scripture’s trust issues:
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!  Isaiah 26:3 (TLB)
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.  Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.  He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.  Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.    Psalms 37:3-7
Trust, take delight, commit, be still, wait patiently, and don’t fret (worry).  The Psalmist says we must let all our attitudes and actions of trust flow towards the God who says He will take care of us. 
And the promises connected with this are overwhelming:
·        peace – fear banished
·        our basic needs and more are satisfied!
·        God will act on our behalf
·        righteousness and justice will surround what we do.
At the bottom of trust and fear are only two ways…trust or fear.  Agreed, sometimes (most times for me) it’s both…it’s trust in spite of my fear.
So….what do you worry about?  What do you fear you’ll lose, never get, or run out of? 
And how’s that working for you?

Today…for you

Begin the day with confession about that basic fear, and act in faith. 

Give your worry bone a rest; let God bless you today!


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