Valued

Matthew 6:25-27 25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they?

Gracious God, You tell us not to worry, but we disobey and do it anyway. In fact, we worry to the point of chronic distraction about our children, spouses and other family members. We worry about putting on weight or taking off too much weight; growing old; or even what we will wear to an important event. We are overly concerned regarding  what people think of us; and then sometimes we are distressed  because they don’t seem to think of us at all.  Lord, the list just goes on and on. Father God, please remind us that faith in You and worry are incompatible and at opposite ends of the spectrum. If we are overcome and totally distracted by worry, that is a sure indicator that we are not doing well in the faith department. 

Lord, today we pray for increased faith and trust in You.  Please show us the difference between hapless worry and productive concern. Cause us, we pray, to understand that healthy concern drives us to actions that promote positive change. However, chronic worry takes us to a dead-end street; leading nowhere and achieving more harm then good. It leaves us anxious, distressed and unsettled.   

Father, as we begin the new season in our lives, please help us to stop worrying. We pray for spiritual strength to cast on You, all our anxieties, worries and concerns - because You care for us (1 Peter 5:7). Remind us, we pray, that what we cannot achieve on our own; You achieve in Your strength. We need only trust You.  Lord there is no other way to find lasting peace, hope and satisfaction in life then to trust You and obey. Lord, we surrender to You.  All that we are or ever hope to be, we surrender to You.  In Jesus Name we pray and give thanks, Amen.