DON’T WORRY, TRUST HIM – Part 2

Listen to God’s promise: “’I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). Even if the future God chooses for you isn’t the one you would choose, trust Him.

It won’t be easy, but once you’ve walked with God for enough days and experienced His faithfulness time and again, you could actually stop worrying. Besides, we don’t need to worry, as Jesus assured us that our heavenly Father cares for us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

I don’t know what you’re worried about today, but I do know that worry distrusts the promises and the power of God. I believe in God, and I choose to live in a way that demonstrates my confidence in Him.

After all, God is wise. He is willing. And He is able. Trust Him. 

-- Craig Groeschel in “The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living as If He Doesn’t Exist”

#5719

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

“Although [ships] are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”  (James 3:4-5 NIV)

There is power in our words. Our tongues are like two-edged swords. They can protect and defend, or they can cut down and destroy. We are in control of them.

Sadly, many people act as if it was the other way around; their tongues control their minds. James compares the tongue to a rudder. When a rudder is left unintended, the ship flounders. Likewise, when our tongues move uncontrolled, the result is disaster.

A wise person keeps a firm control over his or her words. Only words of life and light should be spoken, and with God’s help we can hope to always have such graceful speech. 

-- Dan and Nancy Dick in “Daily Wisdom from the Bible”

#5357

 

WISDOM AND GOOD JUDGMENT

“Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding.”  (Proverbs 8:12 TLB)

Have you ever heard the expression, “He [or she] doesn’t have the sense God gave a goose?” It’s talking about someone who doesn’t use any common sense. God expects us to call on Him in times of need, but He also expects us to use wisdom to avoid trouble. If your boat is about to run into the rocks, call on God, but row away from the rocks. It’s the wise thing to do. 

-- Adapted from “God’s Little Book of Proverbs: Timeless Wisdom for Daily Living”


#4405