Daily Devotional for October 27, 2022

Every Monday our staff meeting starts with a devotional.  That’s because, if anyone needs Jesus, it’s our staff.  This week it was Buzz’ turn.  Because it was Buzz, I knew it would be a real doozy.  He did not disappoint.
 
Buzz concluded his devotional by saying, “Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff.”  Truer words were never spoken.  This got me thinking.
 
I don’t know about you, but one of my biggest vices is worry.  
 
Every week I worry about my sermon.  Did I do God a disservice?  Was I faithful to the meaning of the scripture?  Did I deliver the sermon in such a way those sitting in the congregation got the meaning of the message?  My list of worries for Sunday morning sermons goes on and on and on…….
 
In fact, sometimes I worry so much, it impacts my Saturday.  When this happens, Shannon calls me, “Saturday Night Tom.”  
 
The problem is when I worry about the sermon, I discount the fact that all I am to do is the very best I can and let God do the heavy lifting.  God is always faithful.
 
While you may not worry about preaching a sermon on Sunday morning, there is probably something that rears its ugly head on a regular basis, and you begin to worry.  
 
When this happens, remember Jesus’ admonition about worry.  Jesus siad, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”  (Matthew 6:27)
 
In other words, if worry makes your life better, more productive, and fulfilling, worry away.  But that’s not what worry does.
 
Worry is about the “what ifs” of life.  Worry sucks out joy and positive possibilities and replaces them with angst and fear of an unknown future.
 
The good news is the God who loves you more than life itself, is already in the future waiting for you to get there.
 
God’s got your life under control.  All you have to do is trust.
 
Does this mean everything is always going to go your way?  Of course not.
 
What it means is ultimately, through the positive and negative aspects of life, God is weaving a beautiful tapestry that will bring you peace, joy, and finally, home.
 
This is what Paul meant by saying, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  (Romans 8:28)
 
Choose today to set aside worry and trust God.  It’s the best decision you will ever make.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I begin to worry, help me place my worries in your hands.  In Jesus’ name I pray.   Amen.
 
Don’t worry.  Give it to God.
 
Also, remember Buzz’ wise words, “Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff.”
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins