This has been one of the most difficult seasons that I have ever faced. But, as I reflect on where I am and where I’ve been, I am realizing that I have never been more blessed. My family has never been in such a position of blessing. My finances have never been in such a position of blessing. My career has never been in such a position of blessing. Everywhere that I turn, I see answered prayers…I see the evidence that God has been faithful to me.
The evidence of God’s faithfulness is all around.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? (Matthew 6:25-30 NLT)
There was a time when anxiety gripped me. I spent my days worrying about what might happen, instead of really living. And during that season of my life, I found this passage in the book of Matthew. I read it over and over again…seeking to retrain my mind, and eventually it did. The Lord healed me of anxiety, and He allowed me to experience the peace that comes with depending on Him.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34 NLT)
The key to peace is living for today, instead of tomorrow.
And in this season of my life, the Holy Spirit is reminding me of this. Yes, this season is hard, but why must I worry about things to come? Why must I worry about things that may never come at all?
Have you ever been so focused on the future, that you could not enjoy the present?
Worrying about the future robs us of the opportunity to enjoy the blessings of God today.
This is why Jesus gives us an alternative in Matthew 6. He says to look around us. We should observe the freedom of the birds. We should take in the beauty of the wildflowers. The beauty of God’s creation is a reminder of how faithful He is.
If God cares for His creation, why wouldn’t He care for us?
This is a question that we should seriously consider. Why would God care for the birds of the sky and the animals and vegetation of the earth without caring for us…His image bearers…the ones He chose to bring forth His purpose in the earth?
So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 NLT)
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
The next time you feel down in life, the next time you have anxiety about what life may bring, remember this…
You are chosen by God.
When He created you, He did so with His purpose in mind. Do you know what that means? That means that as long as you have breath in your body, you have a purpose to carry forth into the earth. So walk in that purpose…live the blessed life that He has planned for you.
You see, I have realized that I don’t have to worry about being blessed in the future, because I am blessed right now. I can see it when I look at my children’s faces. I can feel it in my husband’s embrace. I have decided that I will not allow the possibilities of the future to rob me of enjoying my blessing. Instead, I will live in my blessing.
You are blessed right now.
I know it may not feel like it. But for a few moments, I want you to reflect on your life. Where were you a year ago? Where were you a few years ago? Where were you a decade ago?
Has God not been faithful?
Where did He rescue you from? What prayers has He answered? Did He heal you? Did He redeem you? Did He do a work in your heart…in your life?
You may not be where you want to be, but you are certainly not where you started…
So…right now, you have a decision to make.
Will you live your life anxious about the future? Will you live disappointed about where you could be? Or, will you live in your blessing? Will you enjoy what God has already done in your life?
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? (Numbers 23:19 NLT)
Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true. (Joshua 21:45 NLT)
God will fulfill His promises.
You don’t have to worry about the future. You don’t have to worry about whether your prayers will be answered. Your God is a faithful God. He delivered you before, and He will do it again. So, trust His word. Believe in His power. Enjoy His favor. And live in the blessing that He has already provided for you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that I am chosen, and I was created for a purpose. Today, I have decided that I will no longer allow the worries of life to prevent me from living the life that you have for me. Instead, I will reflect on everything you have done for me. I will live in my blessing, and I will allow my life to glorify your name. I love you, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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