Principles for Stress-Free Living

Principle #5 - You can't live tomorrow until it gets here. Matthew 6:31-32, 34

Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 31-32
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. v.34

"What if?" – These two words connected can bring more doubt and fear into our lives than almost any other words we can say.  The problem is we seldom look forward in a positive way.  We don’t ask, “What if I get a raise?”  Instead we fear getting laid off or downsized.  The natural drift of the mind of man is toward fear, not faith.

Sadly, we mentally run into the future and get ahead of God.  Not that He is not already there and has not already prepared the way, but He cannot show us until we get there.  When we do get there, we will be in a new place and, by His grace, ready to face a new challenge. We know that by emotionally connecting to the future we literally experience something that may never happen.  Our fear causes us to respond just as if we were facing the circumstances. 

An old illustration still holds true.  Don't build a bridge until you get to the water...

• The river may be dry...
• There may be one already…
• God might have a ferry there.

The whole point of this passage is...
God has been enough in our past,
                        He is enough in our present
                                    He will be enough in our future.

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Jesus

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Principle #6 - "FIRST THINGS FIRST" makes a winner every time. Matthew 6:33

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 33

This last principle takes us back to where we began...There can only be one master.  Only one who drives our lives.  Only one who sets our priorities.  The truth is, all these things that would be cause for worry are taken care of through the Kingdom of God.  What is the “His Kingdom?”  It is wherever God rules and reigns.  Jesus says, “Learn to seek God first, then worry if you need to.” 

So, what are the lessons from these Principles?

• God’s provision is complete for ALL His creation.
• Worry is not a part of God’s plan for a believer.
• We overcome worry by increasing our faith.
• We increase our faith through a deeper understanding of God.

Scripture to Claim:
Trust in the LORD and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires.  Psalms 37:3-4