In the following scriptures, Jesus is talking to his disciples.

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. John 16: 7

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

John 16:13

 (New American Standard Bible)

 

Is That You, God?

 

You just like to worry. Worry is a sin. Give it to God. You’re borrowing trouble.  These are just some of the answers often given to one who can’t let go of a concern. Most of us have either said this to someone or thought it. But perhaps, there is another way of discerning worry.

The father was just returning home when he saw his daughter leaving with a young man for a date. Though the two young people had known each other all their lives, something made the dad uneasy. He ran after the car to stop them. Whether they didn’t see him or didn’t pay attention was never known, but later that night something went terribly wrong and the young man killed the girl.

 Just as the woman started to put on her flats to take her daughter to the softball game, the mother knew she was being directed to wear shoes she could use for running. Though she changed, it didn’t make sense. She wasn’t playing softball; her daughter was. When they got to the game the coach announced that the other team had forfeited the game and encouraged the parents to form a team and play their children. The mother enjoyed a fun night and has a good memory all because she wore shoes that allowed her to run.

Though new to this type of project, something seemed amiss. Prayer and giving it to God did nothing to stop the incessant concern. Finally, after seeking counsel, he understood his discomfort and to protect his future, quit the project.

A persistent worry about taxes at my new house, caused me to approach the people in the tax office for an estimate of what I’d be paying. While searching the records, they discovered a mistake had been made. My homestead exemption and my over 65 exemption had been removed which would have almost doubled my payments. Not being a particularly detailed person, I shudder to think how long it would have been before the error was discovered.

          Thought: In this journey of life there are worries that cease with reason, a talk with a friend, or prayer. But there are also those times whether it is a sudden fear, a nagging concern, or even a persistent thought, that calls for action.

         

          Warning: We can all misunderstand the leading of the Lord. If the voice you hear directs you against scripture, be warned this is NOT the Holy Spirit.

          Prayer for the Reader: Sometimes, I use this scripture as a prayer. The italicized and underlined pronouns are where I insert myself.  This is part of Paul’s prayer for the people at Ephesus: Ephesians 1:17-19. (I, Paul) do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you (me) a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your (my) heart may be enlightened; so that you (I) may know what the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us (me) who believe---.

(The above scripture is from the New American Standard Bible)


                                                                      

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