After a delicious meal that day, my younger daughter asked, “Mummy, what are we eating tomorrow?” I waited eagerly for my wife’s response. And she delivered: “Let tomorrow come first.” I learnt a major lesson from that simple conversation at dinner. Let tomorrow come first.
Friend, anxiety is not a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Worrying about tomorrow is depriving today of its joy. Each day has enough to unravel; let tomorrow take care of itself (Matthew 6:34). God wants you to live worry-free. Worry is reverse meditation, just as fear is faith in the reverse.
Sometimes, there would be reasons to be anxious, but you must choose not to be anxious (Habakkuk 3:17-19, Philippians 4:6-7). Perhaps the pregnancy has not stayed. The bills are piling up. There is no marriage proposal yet. The church is dragging. Your health is failing. No company has invited you for a job interview yet. Don’t be anxious.
Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its challenges. It only empties today of its joy. Those who learn to commit everything to God’s hands always see God’s hands in everything (Isaiah 26:3). You can only do your best. But remember to leave the rest to God so you can enjoy God’s rest (Matthew 11:28-30).
In the world, getting worked up over issues is a sign of seriousness, but in the kingdom, choosing to be unperturbed is a proof of seriousness (Psalms 2:1-4, Mark 4:36-40). Jesus tells us not to take thought. It means that a lot of negative thoughts would go through your mind. Don’t entertain such thoughts.
Don’t give traction to thoughts by verbalising them (Matthew 6:31). Fight thoughts with words, not thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Use the word of God to silence worry and anxiety. Like David, learn to preach to yourself (1 Samuel 30:6). Declare that you would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalms 27:13). Amen.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria