“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?” Matt. 6:25-27 (NLT)
Lord Jesus, whenever we’re tempted to wonder about our value to the Father, all we have to do is remember the gospel. By your life, death, and resurrection, we’re forgiven, robed, adopted, and beloved. We feast on a free diet of daily mercies and living water. We praise, bless, and adore you. The birds of the air have nothing on us.
Nevertheless, our weaknesses persist, our anxieties flare up, and our worries get the best of us. So we run to you today, confident of your welcome, and resting in your rule. Please help us with the things we’d love to control, but can’t. It’s not so much that we’re anxious to add a single hour to our lives; it’s more that we don’t want unnecessary suffering—for ourselves or anyone else.
I’ll start with the obvious, Lord. Tuesday, November 8th, we’ll elect a new president in our country. Every day we have more reasons to feel angst, anger, and anxiety. Help us to really believe you’ve “got this one”—that you actually are the ruler of the kings of the earth… and all premiers, presidents, and potentates.
Also, please reveal more of your beauty and love to our children. If we could give our kids and grandkids anything, it would be for them to know and love you, Jesus. Keep them restless until they rest in you. May your mercy be a magnet and your grace become irresistible to them.
For our friends and family members facing vocation crises and health issues, relationship challenges and financial messes—Jesus, lift the weight of our worries as you give us the assurance of your engagement. Show us how to love well, without meddling and manipulating. Help us to wait on you, Lord. Sometimes that is SO hard.
Lord, we will trust you—not horses, chariots, or our devices. Grant us grace, fuel our hope, and give us peace. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and strong name.
