Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 19:1-7; James 5:13-18; Luke 12:22-31

“You are such a worry wart!” my grandmother would say. Like a bothersome wart that you feel on your finger and become worried about, so are the worries and fears about what the future will bring. Jesus puts this kind of thinking in a new perspective. He tells us that there are so many things beyond our control, why won’t we trust in the One who actually has control? If you say, “God is in control,” then you need to recognize his control and his plan.

We humans want to control everything in our lives. We are arrogant enough to think we have the power to make things come out as we direct. What foolish thoughts are these! Jesus tells us to consider how our Father provides so elegantly and completely for the plants and animals of nature. How much more should we have faith that God has already worked out his solution for us, his children? We are not mere animals, but the top of the created order, possessing the breath of life, an immortal soul (Gen 2:7). This “breath” is our seal of assurance that our heavenly Father will take care of us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to trust your care in all aspects of my life. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Randy Conley, Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Hubbard Lake, MI.

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