This week we had two devos focused on fear and comfort and how we need to grow in seeking the Lord in our fear and relying on Him for our comfort. I then read Matthew 6:25-34 differently than I have before. These verses make it clear how ridiculous it is to worry about food and drink or clothes because if God takes care of birds and flowers then He’ll care for us. But really from the beginning the focus is this: “Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes”. When I list the things I worry about very few of them are focused on survival. Most of them are instead focused on comfort. Will I be able to afford this or that, will I be able to retire early, what will happen if this minor disaster happens. My worries are directly related to my desire for comfort. The more comfort I pursue outside of God the more things I have to worry about. This is convicting to me and I hope it’s eye opening for you as well. Join me in seeking ways to rely on God. I believe it will definitely make us more uncomfortable but hey, is not life more important than comfort?
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Open our eyes Lord, that we may see. Israel was constantly battling with foreign nations. In 2 Kings 6:8-23 we read an incredible story about the nation of Aram and their raids against Israel. Aram finds out about Israel’s prophet: Elisha, who keeps foiling their plans and so Aram sends a huge army to attack Elisha. Elisha’s servant wakes to find the town they’re in surrounded and is rightfully terrified. But Elisha prays a simple prayer to open the servants eyes and he sees that the hills are full of horses and chariots of fire. How quickly his fear and anxiety are replaced by peace and triumph. When our eyes are opened to see the work of God around us it puts everything in perspective and assures us of our victory in  Christ. Join me in praying this prayer today over yourself and your family. Open our eyes Lord, that we may see.
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I remember as a Junior in High School I watched my friends graduate and burned with jealousy, I was ready to be where they were. 1 year later I was, and the experience was everything I had hoped. Remembering this time in my life has left me turning to prayer and petition for our graduating seniors this year whose plans and hopes about the future are being affected as much or more than anyone else. As I prayed God led me to Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 16:3-4. Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans. It’s easy to get lost in our disappointment but I want to encourage our graduates and their families to focus on prayer and lifting their dreams before the throne of God letting that lead them into joy and confidence.
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Our devo this morning led us through Psalm 139:14 and how we each are God’s creation and reflect the creator. The entire chapter of Psalm 139 dives deep into the intimate relationship God has with us. God knows us. Entirely. And the beautiful part of this chapter is that we can know God too! Because the creation reflects the creator. So when we look at ourselves and others, and better yet, Jesus, we can see and grow to understand God.
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