As I go through each day, I pick up another piece of clothing – something I should leave be, but I don’t – clothing meant for the world – not for me. I should be living in the world and not be the world. But the very thing that I don’t want to do, I do; and the thing I want to do, I don’t. So on comes the world’s clothes, worry about tomorrow, worry about today, worry about things that are not in my charge, finances, children, husband, family, friends, anger, manipulation, other sin-things, business, work thoughts, Martha thoughts, shame, humiliation, self-centeredness – I could go on and on.
When I want to get in His presence, I can barely see or focus outside of all these things I have donned. So one-by-one, I strip off yesterday, tomorrow and later. I come bound, but I leave free…until tomorrow.
Sometimes I feel that only when I truly am in a place of worship can I totally let go of all the cares of this world. I resolve to do better, but I find myself picking up each piece and donning it yet again.
Read Matthew 6:25-34 and ask yourself these questions:
- What do I worry about most often?
- How does worry change me?
- How does worry change others around me?
- What Scripture can you find to help you lay down worry in this area and give it to the Lord? If you need help finding Scripture relevant to your situation, ask another believer.
- Confess your worry to someone you trust and ask them to help you by praying with you and ministering His peace to your worry.
Lord, the world is filled with people and things I could worry about. Help me to increase my trust in You so that I will leave my worries each day – moment by moment – with You. Give me the strength to take everything I am wearing not of You and shed it like a coat. Help me not to pick them up as I move through time, but help me to lay them down once and for all. Give me the conviction to give each problem and care as it surfaces to You, leaving myself unencumbered to worship You and serve those I come in contact with – all to Your glory. Give me focus to see the eternal things and not the things that will fade away. In Jesus name, amen.