Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 71; Evening, Psalm 74;
Leviticus 19: 26 to 37; 2nd Thessalonians 1:1 to 12; Matthew 6:25 to 34:
“And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (Matthew 6:27)
I am a champion worrier. And I realize that the worrying itself (in most cases), does more harm to my wellbeing than the issue I am worrying about. I think worrying is somehow related to fear. They must be cousins if not parent and child, fear then, giving birth to worry. I heard in a movie once that basically fear is a deep concern about some event that has not happened yet, and may not happen at all. And yet here we are, ready to give up or worse yet, do something regrettable because of it.
Our Lord Jesus makes the point that worrying really can’t help us, only hurt us. Our Lord Jesus tells us regarding things we worry about that, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of Godand hisrighteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6: 32 – 33)
I also ponder about the next verse and how God’s time might apply here. Our Lord Jesus says, “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:34) So tomorrow! Is that this life or the next? I fear, I worry still.
I worry about the fate of Ukraine. I keep them in prayer. I send money to different organizations that support them. There is so much cleanup that needs to happen when the bombing stops for good. I worry about whether or not the dispersed Ukrainians will return to their homeland. Worrying is not like praying. Worrying fixes nothing. Praying repairs all things through the Holy Creator and Sustainer. So we must continue to pray for Ukraine and not worry (so much). Jesus informs us that our Parent knows our needs – Ukraine’s needs – and will see to it that what is really needed is provided. Thank You Lord Jesus.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 