April 23, 2024
Scripture for today: Matt. 6:24
Jesus asked, “Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt. 6:24).
I can control what I say but cannot determine the interpretations and reactions of others. I can present the plan of salvation to someone, but can’t force them to accept it. I preach the message God has given me to deliver, but can’t make people respond during the altar call. I follow up on prospects that visit our church, but whether or not they return is a decision they must make. These are things that used to create anxiety for me that I now try to leave in the hands of God.
One woman said, “I’ve had a lot of trouble – most of which never happened!” When I asked someone recently how he was doing, he said “tired” because he had been up several hours in the night worrying about our nation. Although we should certainly pray about such matters, because we can’t control them, we should not lose sleep over them.
Research breaks down the "unnecessary" worrying we do as follows: 40% - Things which never happen. 30% - The past, which cannot be changed or corrected. 12% - Needless worry about our health. 10% - Petty, miscellaneous worries. 8% - Real and legitimate worries.
Cast “all your anxiety on Him , because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
This devotion is based from Gaddis’ book “Manage Your Emotions.”
