TAKE NO THOUGHT FOR TOMORROW

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-5

Mary resided in Galilee, a ninety-mile journey from Bethlehem, the prophesied location of Jesus' birth, and her delivery was imminent. (See Micha 5:2)

Did Mary become anxious and concerned, pondering God's plan for her situation? Or did she rest, trusting God to guide her to where she needed to be?

Although we know Scripture teaches not to “take thought about tomorrow,” how difficult is it to “stay in the moment and leave the rest up to God?”

I recently became a year older, causing me to contemplate my future. Will I end up alone? Will my health fail? Will I be financially secure? And the list of concerns goes on and on.  

Oswald Chambers wrote: “Take no thought, don’t take the pressure of forethought upon yourself. It is not only wrong to worry; it is infidelity because worrying means that you do not think God can look after the practical details in our lives, and it is never anything else that worries us. Have you noticed what Jesus said would choke the Word he puts in? The devil? No, the cares of the world. It is the little worries always. I will not trust where I cannot see; that is where infidelity begins. The only cure for infidelity is obedience to the Spirit.” [i] 

WOW! What a word from Oswald! “What chokes God’s word that He puts in? The devil? No, the cares of the world.” We can only focus on a single thought at a time. If we’re constantly worrying and fretting, is there room in our minds to trust God fully?

Through Mary’s dilemma, we’re reminded that God will always get us from where we are to where we’re meant to be. Was it a coincidence that right at the time Mary was to be delivered, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that ALL the world should be taxed? (Luke 2:3)

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she (Mary) should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn,” (Luke 2:7 Italics mine)

Mary was great with the child and miles from Bethlehem. But that wasn’t a challenge for God. He made a way, and His Son, Jesus, was born in the predetermined place, just like God said.

Are you viewing your future with confidence or skepticism? Can you trust God not only with today’s pressures, but tomorrows also?

Trust is the language of the heart and is formed as we rehearse God’s faithfulness and ability to do all things.

As we approach the closing of one year and look forward to the new year, let’s examine our hearts, “Are we trusting? Or are we held captive by the ‘What If’ monster?”

May we all purpose to be a “doer of the word” and “Take no thought for tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34).

PERHAPS IT’S TIME FOR A PAUSE

As Christmas nears, our schedule gets increasingly busy. Today could be a good day to have a quiet moment with God. As you relax, think about God's goodness and give thanks with songs for His deeds. Give yourself the gift of "downtime" and enjoy peaceful moments with the Lord.

[i] My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers, © Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, Barbour and Company, Inc., May 23, page 104