Thoughts on Life
Living Life God’s Way and Enjoying it Too
from the desk of John Grant
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. – Matthew 6:34
Written from a quote and recorded by several artists, it became a popular tune. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” also reminds of Jesus discourse in Matthew 6:25-34. In it He gives us a real formula for a happy life.
I confess; I am a worrier. I worry too much, often about things in the past, often about things over which I have no control and often over things that probably won’t even happen. Jesus wants us to live a day at a time and trust Him. I need to apply these words of Jesus to my life and write them on my heart and so do we all.
Here are Jesus’ words in seven bite size morsels, a list for us to chew on about why we should not worry. Remembering that planning (with the Lord’s direction and guidance), is not worry:
6:25 – The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.
6:26 – Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.
6:27 – Worrying is more harmful than helpful.
6:28-30 – God does not ignore those who depend on Him.
6:31,32 – Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.
6:33 – Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue.
6:34 – Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.
It can be hard to comprehend the Biblical concepts of joy and happiness because our culture has trivialized and sentimentalized these states of being. Society tells us real joy is impossible if we are not always happy with our relationships and possessions.
Paul had something about not worrying as well. (Philippians 4:6-7). “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
Worship At Home:
A Scotch Presbyterian clergyman tells the story of a parishioner who planned a secession with a few others unable to accept the doctrines of the church. But when the clergyman asked this man if he and the others worshiped together, the answer was:
“No. The fact is, I found that they accepted certain points to which I could not agree, so I withdrew from communion with them.” “So, then,” the clergyman continued, “I suppose you and your wife carry on your devotions together at home.”
“No, not exactly,” the man admitted. “I found that our views on certain doctrines are not in harmony. So, there has been a division between us. Now, she worships in the northeast corner of the room and I in the southwest.”
Deer Hunting:
Two hunters were dragging their dead deer back to their car. Another hunter approached pulling his along too.
“Hey, I don’t want to tell you how to do something, but I can tell you that it’s much easier if you drag the deer in the other direction. Then the antlers won’t dig into the ground.” After the third hunter left, the two decided to try it.
A little while later one hunter said to the other, “You know, that guy was right. This is a lot easier!” “Yeah, but we’re getting farther from the truck,” the other added.
QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Faith that is not worth investing in is not worth believing in.
Faith is not the absence of doubt; it is the overcoming of doubt.
What you do with your believe proves who you think will win the day.
By leaning over to please the world, we have fallen in.
We are called to be a chosen people separated from the world.
In pursuing something better, many times we forget what is good.
The significant stories of our lives are written in the seemingly insignificant moments of our everyday life.
Your place in the story doesn’t change God’s grace in His story.
What is happening in America is that we are rotting from the inside out.
Selected portions of Thoughts on Life can also be read atwww.thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog.
The items appearing in this publication are the personal thoughts and based on true life experiences of the author, as well as various articles, quotes and humorous stories contributed by others. Your feedback is welcome and if you want to be taken off the mailing list a simple e-mail will do it. Feel free to pass this along to others and to contribute your ideas and thoughts. Address all items and comments [email protected]. © Thoughts on Life Copyright 2014
©2014 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618