Chloe is afraid of everything and everyone. The meter reader, the FedEx man, every repairman we have ever had, every visitor, and every family member, except my older son, all scare her to death. I have often wondered if we actually had cattle, whether this Australian Cattle Dog would be afraid of them, too.
What did all these people do to Chloe? Nothing. They simply exist in her world. So when the grandchildren come visit, she is extra terrified. After all, little boys are not still, quiet creatures. Not only are they in her world, they are in it loudly and rambunctiously. We will often tell her when our older son is on his way. She knows his name and when she hears, "Lucas is coming," she runs to the edge of the carport, faces the gate, and waits until he arrives, joyously running up to greet him. She does not know our grandchildren's names. She thinks they are little monsters, though they are not at all. They are actually sweet little guys, but to her "monsters" is the name.
But there is one thing about this scaredy-dog: when we tell her they are coming "tomorrow," it doesn't bother her a bit. She still sits between us at the morning fire, relishing a head pat, a belly rub, and a tossed treat. The thought of the monsters coming doesn't keep her from enjoying today.
We need to be more like that. Jesus told us that in almost those exact terms. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble [monsters]. Matt 6:34. Handle today's problems today. Let tomorrow take care of itself.
Easier said than done, I know, but consider just two short things in the same passage. First, worry shows a lack of faith (v 30). God has promised to care for his people. He has promised to hear our prayers. He has promised he will never forsake us. No, he has not promised to fix everything exactly how we want it, nor has he promised we will never have trials and difficulties in life. But what he has promised will be far more help than worry ever could be. Trust him to help you and be with you through it all, and the monsters will be easier to bear.
Second, only pagans should worry (v 32). Any time we fail to trust God and become so anxious that we can no longer even function, we are showing ourselves NOT to be children of God, but children of the Devil. For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matt 6:32. Unbelievers have a father who doesn't care about them. You have a Father who gave His Son to save you. What would He NOT give you if you are faithful to Him?
Remember Chloe's lesson for you this morning. Take care of today. There are head pats and belly rubs and treats to be had—don't ruin them by worrying about the monsters of tomorrow.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil 4:6
Dene Ward
What did all these people do to Chloe? Nothing. They simply exist in her world. So when the grandchildren come visit, she is extra terrified. After all, little boys are not still, quiet creatures. Not only are they in her world, they are in it loudly and rambunctiously. We will often tell her when our older son is on his way. She knows his name and when she hears, "Lucas is coming," she runs to the edge of the carport, faces the gate, and waits until he arrives, joyously running up to greet him. She does not know our grandchildren's names. She thinks they are little monsters, though they are not at all. They are actually sweet little guys, but to her "monsters" is the name.
But there is one thing about this scaredy-dog: when we tell her they are coming "tomorrow," it doesn't bother her a bit. She still sits between us at the morning fire, relishing a head pat, a belly rub, and a tossed treat. The thought of the monsters coming doesn't keep her from enjoying today.
We need to be more like that. Jesus told us that in almost those exact terms. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble [monsters]. Matt 6:34. Handle today's problems today. Let tomorrow take care of itself.
Easier said than done, I know, but consider just two short things in the same passage. First, worry shows a lack of faith (v 30). God has promised to care for his people. He has promised to hear our prayers. He has promised he will never forsake us. No, he has not promised to fix everything exactly how we want it, nor has he promised we will never have trials and difficulties in life. But what he has promised will be far more help than worry ever could be. Trust him to help you and be with you through it all, and the monsters will be easier to bear.
Second, only pagans should worry (v 32). Any time we fail to trust God and become so anxious that we can no longer even function, we are showing ourselves NOT to be children of God, but children of the Devil. For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matt 6:32. Unbelievers have a father who doesn't care about them. You have a Father who gave His Son to save you. What would He NOT give you if you are faithful to Him?
Remember Chloe's lesson for you this morning. Take care of today. There are head pats and belly rubs and treats to be had—don't ruin them by worrying about the monsters of tomorrow.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil 4:6
Dene Ward
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