Do Not Fear

(Our Theme for June)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34, NIV

I tend to worry a lot. I tend to worry about things that haven’t even happened. I worry about how I am going to play in my next baseball game, for example, or about what people will think of me, even people I haven’t met yet!

We don’t need to worry about that stuff, because tomorrow is not promised. All we can count on is today. That makes me think of another verse, Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Basically, this means that we have to be patient and not worry about what is happening in the future. Instead, we must rely on God, and keep doing the right thing in the present. If the thing we want doesn’t happen, it’s either not the right thing or not the right time. The Lord will create a path for each of us, and sometimes failing is part of the plan that will make you who you are supposed to be.

Sometimes things don’t work out the way you wanted them to. When that happens, it’s hard to understand, and easy to worry. Two years ago, I didn’t make my middle school baseball team, and then I got cut from the team I was on. Even though that was really hard at the time, now I can look back and see how it helped me become the player I am today—a better player. It taught me to keep working and not give up. It taught me to have faith in God, who helped me through.

And faith is better than worry any day.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, please help me to not worry about tomorrow, and instead live in the present, and trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Ryan Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.