The Promise that God Cares for You

In this day and age, when everyone seems intent on caring for "me, mine, and ours," it's refreshing to see the outpouring of compassionate care toward the victims of the earthquake in Haiti! Still . . . many people around the world, even in our own communities, are suffering and feeling lost and alone. Their plights have not made the news. They think no one cares.

Many, young and old alike, worry about necessities of life and how they will survive in this economy. Jesus addressed these concerns in Matthew 6:25-33 just after telling His followers that they should be more concerned about their heavenly treasures than their earthly ones.

He told them not to worry, that God provides abundantly for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. He will provide for you. "Are you not much more valuable than they? Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life."


How will God provide for you? 

• Sometimes by miraculously stretching what you do have to cover what you don't, or
  
• Sometimes by providing through the gifts of His people

Whether by miracle or by compassion, every good and perfect gift that we receive is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights" (James 1:17).

He cares!

Have you a story to share that illustrates how God cares for you?

The Promise of Peace in 2010

Yesterday I asked the question: What would your life be like without worry or stress?

Can you even imagine a life without worry or stress? Panic seems to be an integral part of the human condition. We sometimes even cling to panic as proof that we're conscious of the state of things. "Well, duh, of course I know the world's a mess. Look at my own life: it's spinning out of control."

Remember a few days ago we talked about Jesus offering peace--not the world's peace, but rather a peace that surpasses understanding. On one occasion He said:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my Yoke is easy and my burden is light."

             -Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus offered a supernatural peace, not the world's peace. As a matter of fact, this supernatural peace involves gentleness and humility--not qualities the world prizes. It is gentleness and humility that recognizes our need for God, our need to trust in Him with all our heart and to acknowledge Him as guide of our lives.

If we do that, we will find rest for our souls. Yes, rest and peace will replace our worry and stress. And 2010 will be a very good year!

Can you resolve to let the Lord guide you this year?

A Promise for Guidance!

With the new year upon us, most of us can look back at 2009 and see things we could have done better. Right?

Today's promise, if observed, can assure us of a better 2010.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

                         -Proverbs 3:5-6

If we trust in the LORD as our sovereign loving God, we will obey Him. Why wouldn't we? He knows our circumstances and He's powerful enough to perfect them. He will do whatever is needed to produce the best long-term results for His children.

Does that mean we won't suffer loss at some point in 2010? Not necessarily. But it does mean that we can be free from worry and stress knowing that our loving LORD is taking care of things. It means that we no longer have to figure everything out!

What would your life be like without worry or stress?