Always the most profound truths are those that are the most simple. I am amazed at what God keeps teaching me based on scripture I’ve read and known my entire life.
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Ain’t that the truth? I know this, and you know this – but I believe that worrying about tomorrow (and today and yesterday and next week and 2016 and…) is one of our biggest battles as humans.
I’ve been wrestling tremendously with this the past few weeks. Mistakes of yesterday, fears about tomorrow, questions about the future, anger over what I can’t control – they threaten to take over my thoughts. Why, when I know better, do I let worry cripple me? Why, when I believe Jesus’ promises to take care of me, to provide for my every need, and to take care of all of my tomorrows do I still choose to let worried thoughts claim my heart?
Lord, I believe. Please help my unbelief.
I was led to return to the truth of the passage above and read it within its context. Matthew 6:19-21 say, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Yep, I know. I’ve read that one my whole life too. Treasure in heaven, got it. I’m not much into material possessions. I don’t care at all about having lots of stuff. Thieves would roll their eyes and be bored in our house (unless, of course, they are interested in a loaf of homemade bread). Riches. Jewels. Nice vehicles and a bunch of flat screen TVs. That’s what the scripture is talking about, right?
Sure, if that’s what your struggle is. But who says treasure means stuff? The question I should be asking is, “What or who has hold of my heart?” because as the scripture says, “where my treasure is, that is where my heart is also.” If my heart is so caught up in the worries of this world that I fail to recognize that God is in control, that God is taking care of me, and that Jesus has already claimed the victory – then the treasure I’m claiming is my self. The thieves are the lies I am choosing to believe which hold me in bondage and steal my most prized possession: The joy given to me by Jesus.
We can not serve two masters. Self cannot be our master, unless we desire to live a life of worry and fear. Our job is to lay ourselves down and eagerly seek first (not second or third) His kingdom and His righteousness. That’s it. God takes care of the rest. That is His promise to us.
So today? We choose to accept God’s gift of peace. He’ll give it to us tomorrow too, and the next day, and the next. Worrying about tomorrow (or 2016) offers us no answers – only misery.
Focus on today. Today only. Jesus is here, rescuing us from fear and frustration and replacing them with the greatest treasure to fill our hearts: His peace. Rest in this promise. Today. Tomorrow. Always.
Hi Laura- This post came at the right time for me! I will be moving to a different state to take care of my family. I get overwhelmed with the preparation and the future after. If I wasn’t moving, I would still be worried about something else. I even read that passage last night before I read your post. I will be asking God for help with this.
PS- I know I missed Gratituesday, but I’m thankful that I stumbled onto your website a few months ago. I was googling coconut flour biscuits and your website was at the top of the list! Not only are your recipes easy and delicious like those cheddar biscuits, but you are also a funny and insightful writer. Most importantly, you have inspired me to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
Thank you so much for your thoughts. I easily get caught up in worry. God does need to come first.
I needed this, thank you!
Amen. We are preparing for a move to KS (did I mention this to you?) and the to do list is swirling in my head and pressing on me constantly. One day at a time. Thanks for the reminder.:)
Thanks Laura :) I was tossing and turning all night about a situation that is creeping up on me. But TODAY I am snowed in with my three wonderful kiddos. And it’s not on my plate today. So I’m going to push it aside and soak up what it.
I needed this reminder today. Thanks!
Thank you well said. you mean My name don’t have to be mom worrywart
I appreciate the timeliness of this post! So stressed about so many things right now. I may need to save this and read it over and over. Thank you.
Some days I can feel this and other days I can’t. My heart is thicker these days so I need to be hit over the head with it again and again. Thank you for helping to chip away at my hard heart.
Beautiful thoughts. I need to remember this more often.
Someone mentioned that! I am excited for you, and sad for all of us here who will miss you!!!!!
Very well said! Like you, I know these scriptures very well but struggle putting them into practice. Thank you for sharing.
Boy this is a hard one. My husband teases me that I have a certian number of worry “slots” and that they all must be filled or I freak out. If one worry is taken care of, I have to find something else to fill that empty slot. Example: My husband has just figured out a way to improve the profits of our business by 30%. Yeah, right? Well- no, last night I’m laying awake worrying about how that’s going to effect us tax wise and trying to figure out exactly HOW much more in taxes that is going to be and HOW I need to juggle the finances to handle it. Hubby’s all excited about this new prospect and all I can do is worry about the tax implecations. Sigh!
I sometimes wish I could have these verses tatooed on the inside of my eyelids (ok, not really, because that would hurt and I’m a wimp) just so I could maybe get them imprinted in my brain and heart.
Sincerely,
Shannon
Laura,
I’m struggling to hold back tears as I write this, because I know God led me to read your post this morning. I’ve had a very trying, emotional week as my 13 y/o daughter had to have emergency surgery this past Tuesday and had her right ovary removed. She came through surgery fine and seems to be recovering well, however, I have found myself gripped with worry and fear this morning over what they might find when they test her removed ovary. The dr seems confident that it’s nothing to worry about, but I still found myself googling possibilities rather than just giving it to God. Thank you for your obedience to God in sharing such priceless Truths this morning. So thankful for you and your blog!
So timely! I have a hard time with this one.
I worry constantly, especially the “what if’s”.
I try to let them go and may do fine for awhile, but slowly they creep back in.
I guess I just have to keep trying and reminding myself that God actually has the wheel and I need to let go of it!
I am trying to figure out how to enlarge this, print it out, and frame it for over my kitchen sink. I’m not kidding. I know that the Holy Spirit inspired every word you wrote. May you and your family continue to prosper and be in health as your souls prosper. I have enjoyed your blog for several years now and I thought it was about time for me to tell you so. :~D
Hi Laura.
I woke up this morning with the song “He is With US” by Love & The Outcome going through my head. Then I just read your email and they go together so well. Here’s a link to their YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYLoigK4WSI You will have to copy and paste, I guess. It’s a great song that goes perfect with what you wrote today.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
THIS! Just yesterday I got hit with a load of nonsense here at work that has had my stomach in knots ever since. One of those “it’s not bad now but I know bad days are coming” kind of job situations.
Knowing those days are coming, I want to thank you for including the beautiful graphic with your post. Green is a calming color and the Scripture verse is so applicable to my job situation. I am printing out the graphic to hang at my desk as a reminder.
So timely! One month ago today my husband had a heart attack. Every time he gets out of my sight I worry about him and I have to stop and let us live our lives in a normal way. We got snowed in yesterday and all I could think was what if….thankfully some great neighbors have plowed out the neighborhood but I have to give my husband to God and let Him take care of him. As He did the day he had the heart attack.
Your good post!!
Thank you so much for this post. I am a worrier too and have struggled so much with it this past year. My one word resolution for the year is TRUST. I am vowing to concentrate on that every day and trust God with everything in my life.
PS – I love this blog so much! You have been such an inspiration for me in whole food eating and I cook so many of your recipes every week. I live in Oklahoma City and I missed you last year when you did your meet and greet. If you ever want to come here again I would love to chat with you.
I need to hear this often. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day stuff and forget God is God. At least for me anyway.
AMEN!!! Jesus is Lord!!!
Thank you! thank you! Such a blessing!