Mattthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” ESV
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” NIV
What things cause you not to have a high peace quotient currently? Is it your health? Is it political things going on? Financial concerns can be heavy. It could be a child, young or adult, making unwise choices you wish they would change, with having a sharpened conscience to make the needed moral, ethical, Christ honoring obedience in their life. Or maybe it is feeling neglected by a loved one. Then there are work pressure conflicts. These are all real and valid concerns from receiving bad news that can disrupt our sleep at night. I have been there on some of these things occasionally, and during this past month. Have you?
Worry and concern are similar and yet different. Worry can cause health issues and immobilize us because it will consume our thoughts. However, concern motivates us to take action and pray to God for help. Worry reduces your ability to trust in God. My NIV Application Bible has a note on Matthew 6:34: “Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worry about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God’s guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Don’t let your worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.” Wise words to put in place.
James 4:14 states, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes.” We have to recognize God’s providential control and that life is temporary. Do you realize “today” is going to turn into a “tomorrow” within 24 hours or less? Think about that. Therefore, commit to God your anxious concerns that are filling up your thoughts right now. There will always be bad news reported on our various social media sources. Sometimes a medical doctor gives what is considered bad news from the tests and X-rays performed. But pray Psalm 121:1-3 and let it replace your anxious thoughts because no one can hinder God: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.”
Need God to take care of you right now about something heavy on your heart? Read out loud Proverbs 1:33, “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease without dread of disaster.” Then ask God to help you apply Psalm 112:6-8a to the situation: “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid.” Worry affects our trust in God. Stand firm in His strength of protection, presence, and provision over you even when receiving bad news. Relax and rest in the security that God has a sovereign plan, therefore you are secure in Him. In 24 hours or less, today will turn into tomorrow. Focus on your relationship with God today. Proverbs 1:7a declares “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Wise Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, stated the conclusion of the matter is, in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” How is my devotion to God and am I afraid of doing anything that will displease and grieve Him is the first question we need to ask ourselves when hearing bad news. He will see you through. Trust in God.
Listen to Aware Worship – Trust In God (Featuring Mark Gutierrez).