.# 3 Worried
"GOOD FUTURE AHEAD"
Don't worry about tomorrow
Ps. 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life
Picture This:
A flock of sheep are grazing peaceably after having just come down a very steep mountain. That long trek down those dangerous trails seem to be all but forgotten. Their shepherd had once again brought them through all the storms of wind, hail, sleet and snow. They are confident that no matter what comes their way today or tomorrow, their shepherd can be counted on to meet every need.
Sheep Comparison
Goodness & mercy followed those sheep day by day. Of course their part was to stay following the shepherd, no matter what kind of crisis appeared that was fearful. If they had panicked, running amuck, letting fear overtake them, they would not have survived. We too must remember how our Shepherd brought us through many storms in our life, and he will do it again. Let's not panic but continually feed on God's word, believing his promise of a good future.
Jer. 29: 11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,
saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil,
to give you an expected end.
expected end means: future
Thought for the Day
Ps. 139: 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them. Remember God said his thoughts toward us are good and not evil? This verse shows us, he's always thinking about us. Do you have a loved one you've thought about and had something good you were going to do for them? Well, he has some amazing things planned for us today, tomorrow and our future!
No fear!
Just Faith!
Biblical Pasture Experience
King David is the one who wrote that psalm about goodness and mercy following him. When you read the stories in the old testament of David's life you may wonder, how could he make such a statement. David was aggressively pursued by King Saul and even his own son, to take his life. There were times he felt stress but many times he seen the hand of God intervene on his behalf.
Since he had raised sheep himself, I'm sure he reflected on all those times he rescued his sheep, just in time. He was always keenly aware of their situation, just as God is ours. He trusted his heavenly shepherd would take care of him, not only for that day but his future.
Note from the author: Many times since I have been a Christian, I have experienced great heartache and trouble. I can honestly say though, my shepherd has managed to turn those adversities into testimonies for his glory!
Rms. 8:28
And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called
according to his purpose.
Ps. 31:7
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy:
for thou hast considered my trouble;
thou hast known my soul in adversities.
Conclusion
This verse should give us all assurance that God knows each one of our problems and troubles. We too must rejoice and be glad, knowing his mercy will be extended to us, and goodness as well!
Read Matthew 6: 25-34. those verses tell us to take no thought, don't worry, seek God and he will meet our needs.
Statement of Faith
Read Out Loud
Jesus, since you are my Good Shepherd, I choose to not worry or stress when trouble comes. I choose to trust you and believe that no matter what happens, you will work it out for good. You know me personally and even know what tomorrow holds. I will not fear because you said your thoughts for me are good and not evil. You know what is best for me and my loved ones. Fear and doubt is the opposite of faith. You love to be believed, that is what pleases you. I choose to trust you for today, tomorrow and my future. I love you Jesus.
