Next Steps - Aug 2

Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. -Matthew 6:25-33 ESV

God is the provider of everything. He gives us the very breath that we breath. And yet, so often, we look at the ways that others are blessed (or are perceived to be blessed) and we want for ourselves what they have; we measure what we should have -- and therefore our happiness -- by what others gifts, abilities or life situation. And that is a real trap. Living a life of comparison makes us anxious, it makes us discontent, it makes us question God, and ultimately creates in us a suspicion that God really cannot provide all we need, that really he is not good.

So, this week, take some time out and look at God's provision for your life. Don't just think about it as you read this, but actually sit down and think through all the things that God has blessed you with (as I sit at my desk here in the Creekside Ministry Center, I think of the ability to see and to talk, taste buds and friends). So, just stop and think -- maybe make a list. And then, thank God for the things he brings to your mind. Ask him to continually bring to mind the gifts that he has and regularly brings to you. Then, look around your neighborhood(s) (where you live, where you work, the mom's group, the gym, whatever) and find someone who you can bless -- in a big or small way. Do you know anyone who today might be feeling as if they are not able to think of one blessing? Could just coming alongside them to listen or simply be with them be God's provision for them?

As you bless others, you will feel God's presence, share your story and how you felt God with at least one other person -- and let know as well.

Peace, hope and love,
Doug