Fearing the Future: Live for the day and not in the future.
Maybe it’s not the number of items you need to do, but a future event that has you worried – an upcoming court date, a wedding, a big day at work. I am learning that God’s grace is dispensed on a daily basis. When we try to live for tomorrow, we have no grace to support our anxieties. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Consider again the teachings of Jesus. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34) Try to picture your life between bookends. Place one bookend at the start of your day and one at the end of your day, then live between the two. If you focus on what you can do today, you can remain in God’s peace and provision.
Fearing the Future: Recognize the Futility of Worry
Ask yourself, “When was the last time worry did something for me?”
Worry has never paid the bills. Worry has never got you to work on time. Worry has never watched over your children. Worry has never found you a job. Worry has never met a deadline. Friend, worry is notoriously worthless!
"Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? (Matthew 6:27) Worry will not add anything to your life. Worry is a spiritual cancer that will only rob you of peace, health, joy.
Fearing the Future: Do what is in your power to do today.
In the late 1980s, the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was a great success reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. 4 But I think a better title for the song would have been, “Don’t Worry, Get Busy”. It’s good not to worry, but it’s better to proactively do something about the things that worry you.
Taking action and doing whatever is in your power to help a situation is not only good advice, it’s your duty. “To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) We must understand what is in our control and power to change and then do that very thing. “Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27) The world needs us as believers to do good in the world, to be active and to exercise our faith.
Fearing the Future: Do what is in your power to do today.
While we can’t control the future, we can plan for it. Diligent planning is a godly trait that should not be forsaken. “The plans of the diligent make rich.” (Proverbs 21:5) Many of God’s great men, followed detailed plans to accomplish their goals. Consider Noah and the Ark, Solomon and the Temple and the plans of the Apostle Paul with each missionary journey.
While planning is good, being presumptuous is not. We need to be careful not to bank on tomorrow knowing that our lives are but a fleeting mist and seek God’s will above our own agenda. (James 4:13-16) “A man's heart plans his way: but the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Fearing the Future: Trust God with your life & situation
When we have diligently done our part to pray, live for today and do what’s in our control, we must trust God to do his part and work on our behalf.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Delight yourself also in the LORD; and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:3-5)
Trusting in God and relying on His promises will give you greater peace, joy and direction for your life. (Romans 15:13, Proverbs 3:5,6) If today, you need to entrust your life into God’s hands, for the first time or again in surrender, I invite you to pray this prayer below:
Father God, I put my trust in You. I give over to you all my cares, worries, doubts and anxieties (Name anything specific you need to hand over) I surrender my control over the outcome of these situations and ask for You to work on my behalf. Empower me now, by Your Spirit to know and do my part, to represent you well and to be diligent. Give me the strength, the wisdom and the focus to accomplish all You have put before me. Forgive me Lord, for trying to do it on my own or take on more than is my responsibility. I entrust my entire future to You, Amen.
Let me know how this article has helped you.
1) http://www.adaa.org/AboutADAA/PressRoom/Stats&Facts.asp
2) http://www.bettersleep.org/OnBetterSleep/stress_sleep.asp
3) http://www.stresscure.com/hrn/facts.html
4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_Worry,_Be_Happy
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