May 20, 2020 - Mid week Devotional

May 20, 2020 Midweek Devotional
Matthew 6:28b-29 (New Living Translation)
“See how the flowers of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these.”
Meditation
About a month ago a sweet lady from church dropped off a flower on my front steps.  It was a lovely pansy, beautiful yellow and deep purple in color.  Maybe it was the weather or maybe it was everything else that has been going on, but the short story is this: I neglected this little flower for the next four weeks.  
It stayed out there through wind, rain, a little snow, and even some hail.  Yet, last weekend, when I finally got around to planting some flowers outside, I discovered it.  After picking off the dead leaves and petals, I was amazed to also discover that it was still alive.  
I was reminded of something a local farmer from my church once said, “I don’t know how an atheist could be a farmer.  Yes, we prepare the soil and plant the seed, but God really takes it from there.  I’m not sure how you could do all that without faith in a higher power.”
Yes, I thought, God takes care of the crops and the fields, and he even takes care of the smallest flower, just like Jesus said in Matthew 6.
Here in his Sermon on the Mount, because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about the needs that he has promised to supply.  Worry can damage our health, disrupt our productivity, affect how we treat the people around us, and limit our ability to trust God.
And there’s a difference between worry and genuine concern.  Worry immobilizes us; but concern moves us to action.  
When worry takes over, remember the words of 1 Peter 5:7, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”  Remember that God loves you, he is always with you, and his promises are true and faithful.  

Thoughts for Reflection

• Reflect: What are two or three things you have a tendency to worry about?
  
• Remind: Write 1 Peter 5:7 on two or three sticky notes.  Place them in places where you will see them often as reminders to trust God for your needs.
  
• Grow:  Turn these worries over to God in prayer every morning before you begin your day.
  

Blessings for your day,
Pastor Kim