“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life,
what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matt. 6:25-27 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, the birds of the air have nothing on us. By your life, death, and resurrection, we’re clothed with your perfect righteousness, feast on gospel-manna, and drink an endless supply of living water. Thank you.
Nevertheless, our fears and worries pop up like afternoon thunderstorms. So, we run to you today, confident of your welcome and needful of your grace.
Jesus, help us with the stories, hurts, and unknowns we’d love to control, but can’t. We’re not zealous to add an hour to our lives, but we’d love guarantees about a bunch of other stuff.
Watching loved ones suffer is hard, Lord. We know you’re filled with mercy and might, kindness and compassion. We don’t doubt your goodness and sovereignty, but we’d love to dictate their application.
We’re over-weary of the new norm of violence, toxic blaming, and divisiveness in our country. How long before wolves, bears, and lambs; every race, ethnic group, and language; and Christians of every tribe do the dance of joy and peace in the new heaven and new earth?
On the personal front, we long for the Day when we will love others perfectly as you love us, Jesus—the Day when we’ll never again be easily offended, defensive, or triggered—the Day when we’ll be as loving and lovely as you (1 John 3:1-3).
Because the gospel is true, we won’t lose heart or hope, Jesus. Great is your faithfulness and grace. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and strong name.
