Do Not Worry
LENT 2023 | DAY 20
Matthew 6:25-32 (NIV)
(Liana Seah, Chairperson, BeTween Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 6:25-32 (NIV)
DAILY REFLECTION:
This passage has been a great source of assurance for me throughout my adult life. I started a family when I was quite young. With multiple financial commitments, there were moments when worries crept in as I thought of our income streams during the economic downturns. However, the more I tried to control the outcome, the more anxious I became. I prayed that He would replace my worries with His assurance, and use all the situations to make me trust and obey Him more.
I realised that when I let my worries affect how I made life and career choices, I grew to rely more and more on myself instead of looking up to Him. I looked inward to see how I could control the circumstances and the outcomes. However, when I trusted God to place me where He wanted me to be, and do the work He has set for me, I found joy and peace. I know that He has changed my heart and moulded me through these experiences.
God reminds me that we do not know what the future holds, but He is always in control. He shows me that even as imperfect human beings, my husband and I will always try our best to provide for all of our children’s needs; hence, what more will our Father, who is the King of all kings and the creator of Heaven and Earth, do to provide for us? Everything belongs to Him and we are His children. He is more than able to provide for us.
Now that our children are older, and are starting to explore their career paths, I shall continue to cling on to His promise in these verses. The measure of their success should not be determined by the world. I pray that Jesus will be the centre of their lives, and that they will live according to His perfect will. They will then be blessed with His joy and peace.
I pray the same for the young people in our church. It breaks my heart to see young people filled with worries and anxiety for the future. It takes the joy out of living. I pray that each one will not rely on his or her own strength but will always look to God for His leading every step of the way. Just give it our best and let God do the rest.
FAMILY DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. Let’s spend some time observing the birds and the flowers in the garden or the nearby parks. What does it tell us about God’s magnificent design and provision?
2. When making our choices, do we choose first and ask God to bless our choice or do we ask God to reveal to us His will and we follow?
3. Reflect on what makes us anxious and worried? What is the cause of this anxiety?
