Daily Devotional for December 13, 2019
A Way Through
By Rick Stockwell (Connecticut, USA)
(Image: Pixabay)
Read Matthew 6:25-34
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Ryan Hall, the American record holder in the half-marathon, stated that we shouldn’t think about the next hill ahead of us but instead focus on the next step ahead of us. This sentiment dovetails nicely with our scripture reading for today. We may worry about monthly bills, a wayward child, a bully, retirement, our health, or what we will eat, drink, or wear. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Each of us can prepare for the future. However, worrying about the future can cause us to lose focus on the important tasks that we have before us today. Whatever problems we may face, we can take those problems to God in prayer. The Bible gives us many examples of when God has answered prayers — Hannah’s prayer for a child (1 Sam. 1:1-20), Hezekiah’s prayer to spare his life (2 Kings 20:1-6), Jonah’s prayer for a second chance (Jon. 2:1-10), and a leper’s prayer to be made clean (Matt. 8:1-3). God is capable of doing the same for us. Even when things seem desperate, with no way out — God has an answer waiting for us.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us get through today and help us not to worry about tomorrow. Amen.
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Thought for the Day
I can take any problem I have to God in prayer.
Prayer Focus
Thankfulness for God’s provision