Trusting God with Your Tomorrows
As I sat at church on Sunday, Sept. 27, I was worried about the economy, about the gas shortage, and about life in general. God used the sermon to speak directly to me.
Trusting God with Your Tomorrows
Matt. 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Let’s closely examine this profound statement made by Jesus.
Worrying is a part of life. People worry about the future, about life, about things that “might” happen.
When you get to worrying, do this little exercise: Ask yourself--What is the worst thing that could happen to me?
The worst thing that comes to most people’s minds is death. But after the Christian dies, he goes to Heaven. So if the worst thing that could happen to you is death and spending eternity in Heaven with Jesus, is it really the worst thing that could happen?
We need to get a little perspective, and stop worrying about tomorrow. Take Jesus’ words to heart.
In thinking of that, ask yourself—Today, will I live a life of purpose and destiny or will my worrying about tomorrow rob today of everything God has for me?
The only way to deal with the tyranny of tomorrow is – to trust God.
Is. 26:3-4 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.”
John 14:1+ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me….”
When you start to feel worry creeping up in your life, start rejoicing in the truth of Who God is. Phil 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always.” He is Jehovah-Rapha, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Rophe (named a bunch of other names)
Turn your tomorrows over to God; He can handle them.
Statements by Jesus in this verse:
1.Don’t worry about tomorrow.
a) Avoid predictions. Worrying makes us predict. Avoid prognostication. (1 Thes 5:1-2). It is not for us to know the time or date. Prophecy should give us hope; not fear.
b)Avoid procrastination. (Ex. 8:10; get the frogs out tomorrow). When you procrastinate, it makes you unable to function today.
c) Let God manage tomorrow. Seize the day! Today is the day of salvation. Focus on today. 2 Cor 6:2, Heb. 3:7
If not now—when? This little question is very powerful. Next time you start putting something off, something you know you need to do, ask yourself, If not now—when?
2. Tomorrow will worry about itself.
a) Things are not pre-determined. Tomorrow (the future) is the product of choices made today.
b) Just because you plan, it doesn’t mean you’re in control. You must learn to adapt to the unexpected changes in life.
Planning ≠ control.
c) Avoid coming up with hypothetical situations. They may never happen!
3. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Do the thing in front of you today. Lamentations 3:22-23—His mercies are new every morning.
Another point to ponder:
a) Think about your life dreams.
b) Then, ask yourself, do I plan to do anything TODAY about my dream for my life?
If not now—when?
(Dr. David Cooper sermon at Mt. Paran Church on 9-27-08)
Trusting God with Your Tomorrows
Matt. 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Let’s closely examine this profound statement made by Jesus.
Worrying is a part of life. People worry about the future, about life, about things that “might” happen.
When you get to worrying, do this little exercise: Ask yourself--What is the worst thing that could happen to me?
The worst thing that comes to most people’s minds is death. But after the Christian dies, he goes to Heaven. So if the worst thing that could happen to you is death and spending eternity in Heaven with Jesus, is it really the worst thing that could happen?
We need to get a little perspective, and stop worrying about tomorrow. Take Jesus’ words to heart.
In thinking of that, ask yourself—Today, will I live a life of purpose and destiny or will my worrying about tomorrow rob today of everything God has for me?
The only way to deal with the tyranny of tomorrow is – to trust God.
Is. 26:3-4 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.”
John 14:1+ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me….”
When you start to feel worry creeping up in your life, start rejoicing in the truth of Who God is. Phil 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always.” He is Jehovah-Rapha, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Rophe (named a bunch of other names)
Turn your tomorrows over to God; He can handle them.
Statements by Jesus in this verse:
1.Don’t worry about tomorrow.
a) Avoid predictions. Worrying makes us predict. Avoid prognostication. (1 Thes 5:1-2). It is not for us to know the time or date. Prophecy should give us hope; not fear.
b)Avoid procrastination. (Ex. 8:10; get the frogs out tomorrow). When you procrastinate, it makes you unable to function today.
c) Let God manage tomorrow. Seize the day! Today is the day of salvation. Focus on today. 2 Cor 6:2, Heb. 3:7
If not now—when? This little question is very powerful. Next time you start putting something off, something you know you need to do, ask yourself, If not now—when?
2. Tomorrow will worry about itself.
a) Things are not pre-determined. Tomorrow (the future) is the product of choices made today.
b) Just because you plan, it doesn’t mean you’re in control. You must learn to adapt to the unexpected changes in life.
Planning ≠ control.
c) Avoid coming up with hypothetical situations. They may never happen!
3. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Do the thing in front of you today. Lamentations 3:22-23—His mercies are new every morning.
Another point to ponder:
a) Think about your life dreams.
b) Then, ask yourself, do I plan to do anything TODAY about my dream for my life?
If not now—when?
(Dr. David Cooper sermon at Mt. Paran Church on 9-27-08)
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