Prepared, Not Panicked - Day 116 Month 4-26 Week 17-4
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Numbers 32, Psalm 93, Jeremiah 11:1-17, Luke 21:25-22:13
Prepared, Not Panicked
“Be on Guard” is Jesus warning as we wait for Jesus’ return.
I’ve mentioned the issues I had with my truck and how God provided a repair shop to repair the truck at a reasonable cost rather than replace it. We have an RV for camping and it’s one of the more cost effective ways to vacation. It’s not a huge RV but it’s big enough for us when we go camping. Last week, we took it in to be serviced. It’s an older trailer so it was due for some service work. Last Friday we got a call that there are 2 other serious issues that need to be addressed. These were critical issues so it was a “no brainer” to say go ahead and fix them. We knew this would add to the cost but was important. Yesterday, we took our car in for its inspection that’s due every two years. We told the mechanic it likely needed front brakes so we figured it wouldn’t be cheap but had to be done. A half hour later the mechanic called and said, it does need a front brake job but it also needs a front ball joint and both rear bearings. He told me the estimated price, I gulped, and then said, well it has to be done. Please go ahead. This means, in one month, we’ve had an expensive truck repair, car repair and RV repair. This month, there is no such thing as a budget! It feels like a discussion for a mortgage on our house!!! I could choose to worry but it makes no sense. The work has to be done and here’s the kicker, God’s never let us down on money.
Yesterday, I talked about idols. If I put the worry and fear of not having the money to pay for all the repairs I need on vehicles, isn’t it a little like having an idol. In this case it’s fear and worry! If that takes precedence over my relationship with God, then it’s become an idol.
The message of Luke 21:34 is “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap (NIV)” Jesus is clearly saying to avoid letting wasteful living and anxieties to get in the way of waiting for Jesus return. I saw a video of Bob Newhart(who played a psychiatrist in the show) where someone went to see him and told him all their issues and reactions, and the answer Bob, the shrink, gave was “STOP IT.” Well, we all recognize that some anxiety and issues of life are not simply fixed by saying “stop it.” We need to do our best to get help when it’s required but we are also to be living our lives to the max expecting Jesus' return.
Remember, we are not in this life alone. Jesus wants us to join Him in His kingdom in the here and now - not just after in eternity. Remember from our Psalm reading today; “The Lord reigns!” He’s got your back so trust Him and take Him at His word. Then go live your life to the fullest. Choose Jesus, not anxiety!
Have a great day!
Steve
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