I love quiet time. Every morning I try to wake up early and read. It’s quiet, it’s still. My children are sleeping (which are rare moments in our home), my wife is sleeping (which is also a rare moment in our home), but it’s my time to be alone with my thoughts. I love to spend time reading a couple different devotionals, while also diving into different scriptures. These moments are some of the best of my day.

Then everyone wakes up. = )

My children want this and need that, while at the same time wanting to go do everything. I get caught up sometimes. I get stressed. I start to think about the trees with poison ivy on them in the back yard, or how the lawn needs cut already, or my next blog post isn’t finished, or the windows need replaced, or the air conditioner in the car needs fixed, or we need furniture for our new home, and on and on. My mind roars, “THIS HAS TO GET DONE!” 

But does it?

I was reading Luke 12:22-32, Jesus said “don’t be anxious.” As I sat there and read that scripture, I caught a thought.
“Why do I worry about the things I’m worrying about?”
“Why do I keep trying to control everything?”
I try to control everything at one time. Everything has to get done. But Jesus…… Jesus said don’t worry about tomorrow, worry about today and what you can do today. Take it one step at a time and don’t get ahead of yourself.

Why did He say that? What does Jesus know that I don’t? Well, the first thing is He knows a lot more than I do, in fact everything. He knows what I need, when I need it, and how the best way for me to receive it is. So why stay in the way?

I/we get so caught up in these details that we forget, it’s not that important. God knew our need before we ever needed it. My job is to trust that it will be taken care of, while handling my daily living. The priorities of today can be handled today. Tomorrow will come, so handle today. Stop stressing over the little things of life because they will always be there.
Jesus said seek first the kingdom – why? God loves doing things how He wants to do them. He enjoys surprising us. He enjoys giving us that surprise gift and watching you smile, laugh, cry, praise. Only He could have done that. God is really good at being God.

By seeking the kingdom, it means to be in His word. Open a devo, listen to a podcast, listen to a song that sings of His love, don’t be afraid to tell Him you’re stressed. He knows. He wants to help you navigate through the waters. Spending time with him unravels little simple truths that will get you through your day. “Don’t be anxious.” We don’t need to worry about the little things of tomorrow, or this week, or next. Live in today. Let him guide you today. Enjoy being in the present. Pandemic or no pandemic, whether you are laid off or working. Stay in the present, get out of the way, and allow Him to take what’s going on in your life. You don’t have to be in control. He will do way better than you or I ever could.

“Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”

Luke 12:22-32