April 16, Worry

Today’s reading: Psalms 76-80

“In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe” - Psalm 78:32.

Israel saw many miracles as they left Egypt to enter the Promised Land. Yet each time they confronted a crisis, they had short-term memory loss and panicked, challenging the Lord to prove Himself again and again. They did not put their trust in Him and worried they would die in the Wilderness. You and I can have the same problem, for even though we have seen God do great things, we also can worry and fret over our current situation. We have faith that God raises the dead, yet we also have amnesia concerning His goodness and freak out over a bad doctor’s report or a job loss. Jesus taught His disciples not to worry in His first sermon: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25). If He were preaching today, He would add transportation and health care to the no-worry list. Are you a worrier? Do you see worry as not just a bad habit, but a sinful one? Perhaps today is a good day to begin living a worry-free life? Father, I trust You. I acknowledge that worry and fear have often robbed me of the joy You want me to have as I trust You for provision and protection. You are a good Provider, and I ask Your forgiveness for my anxiety, and I renew my faith today in You.