Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

Matthew 6:31-34 – So do not worry saying "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" for the pagans run after these things and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (NIV)

When I first became active in my son's Scout troop, camping trips were a major source of stress. Scouting emphasizes planning and preparation, and I would worry whether we had planned for every contingency: would the weather co-operate, would the boys even show up to go camping, etc.? Invariably, no plan ever survived its first contact with the boys or the weather, especially rain, which seems to be our constant companion ("If it ain't raining, we ain't camping" as one of the leaders once said). Yet, despite the rain, the cold, the burnt meals, or the merit badge counsellors that don't show up as promised, the boys always seem to have fun and keep coming back for more. They may appear to be totally disorganized, yet camp always is set up and taken down; they manage to feed themselves; and they regularly stage a text-book-perfect campfire.

We still try to plan and prepare for every contingency, as good Scouts should. However, as the years and the campouts roll by, they have ceased to be an occasion for worry and instead have become a practical lesson in trusting people. I have learned to worry a bit less each time and to put my trust in the natural abilities and resilience of the boys.

Our faith journey through life is much the same. It is always wise to try to plan for the future. However, we cannot anticipate everything. So, at some point we need to put our trust in the Lord to provide as He sees fit. While His response may not always be what we want, it is always sufficient for our needs.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, grant us the strength to stop worrying about that which is beyond our control and to put our trust in You, knowing that our prayers will be answered and You will provide for our needs as You always have done and will do. Amen.

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