Each Day Has its Troubles

Matthew 6:34
" Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I have been struggling for the 9 months in dealing with generalized anxiety disorder and getting a handle on it. God in his provision and grace, over the last month and a bit is helping me to abide in Him as my refuge and strength to confront my sin. I'm currently reading John MacArthur's book, "Anxious for Nothing." It's been a great encouragement to me and I'd like to share a small portion.

"Today is all you have, for God permits none of us to live in tomorrow until it turns into today." He then quotes Jay Adams.

"Tomorrow always belongs to God.... Whenever we try to take hold of it, we try to steal what belongs to Him. Sinners want what is not theirs to have, and thereby destroy themselves. God has given us only today. He strongly forbids us to became concerned about what might happen....Worriers not only want what has been forbidden, but also fail to use what has been given to them."(Observing How God Cares for You, pg 31)

Though I'm not clearly over my own anxiety yet, one thing is for sure. I have the confidence and assurance from a King and Savior who never changes. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." I have a Father who never changes His mind nor lies like a man but who graciously provides for His children. Therefore, each day must handled on its own. In the words of Jeremiah,

Lamentations 3:19-26

¹⁹ I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

²⁰ I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

²¹ Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

²² Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

²³ They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

²⁴ I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

²⁵ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

-Lloyd

Godliness with Contentment

1 Timothy 6:6-8
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we bring nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

Why should I not chase suppossed "needs" of a regular student, When Paul says "if we have food and clothing , we will be content with that."

Paul Overstreet (don't know who he is, heard this in a sermon by Alistar Begg) wrote a song:

I've heard tell of millionaires
And of billionaires and such
Who gathered all their treasures
And still did not have enough

If money could buy peace of mind
I guess they'd have it all
But all the money in world
Won'nt hold when you fall

Chorus: We've got a roof over our head
And the kids have all been fed
The woman I love most
Lies close beside me in our bed
Loed give me the eyes to see
Exactly what it's worth
And I will be the richest man on earth

Lord I when I wish I had the things
That you gave someone else
I pray that you'll forgive me
For just thinkin' of myself

I haven't been as thankful
As I know I ought to be
I should be more satisfied
With all you've given me...

Jesus spoke about clothes and food along the same lines as Paul.
Matt 6:31-32,
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall I we eat?' or 'What shall we drink' or What shall wear?' For the pagan runs after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need."

My Heavenly Father knows what I need. My real needs, I might add. After all in the very next verse I'm told in Matt 6:33, to seek His kingdom, His righteousness and all these things will...Why? My Father's provision is sufficient, therefore I can rest in Him.

Why did my covetous student heart not see this all important truth?

-Lloyd