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Day 89: Rise Up!



June 12, 2020

 There is a lot of chaos in the world right now.  From individual homes and families to worldwide arenas, unforeseen and unwelcomed events are occurring.  There is a health crisis plaguing us, people have lost their jobs, the entire economy of the world is hanging in the balance, many people are at odds with each other and the government.  In short, the world is a scary, unpredictable place right now.  This is the perfect environment for growing fear and anxiety.  Fear and anxiety steal our joy.  They are the weeds in our flower garden, choking out the things that we want to grow, such as joy and happiness.  The Reverend Billy Graham said, “Some people spend so much time worrying about what might happen that they never enjoy what is happening [now] . . . Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”  He also said, “When worry is present, trust cannot crowd its way in.”  So, if that is true (and it is), that must mean that if trust is present, then worry cannot crowd its way in.  Weeds are easy to grow.  Just do nothing and they take over.  Flowers take more care and attention.  We must know the type of soil, sunlight and how much water they need and then we have to put in the work to supply those things.  So, knowledge and effort are required.  The same is true everyday in our lives.  Satan is constantly at work, planting seeds of doubt, worry and despair (the weeds) and he is really hoping we just sit back and let them grow.  If we would rather reap joy and happiness, we must pull out the weeds and provide the proper soil, sunlight and water to grow our faith.  We do this by talking to the “ultimate gardener”, our God, who created the flowers (and all other things) and listening to His advice.  When faith is present, anxiety cannot grow.  Another Billy Graham quote: “Worries flee before a spirit of gratitude.”  So, let’s thank God for our blessings and remember that He is in control. Let’s rise and pull out the weeds so the flowers can grow!  We all need a beautiful garden in the middle of this chaotic world.  Luke 8:14-15 (NIV) says: “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”  2 Peter 3:18 (TLB) says: “But grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be all glory and splendid honor, both now and forevermore.”  Rise up!  Smile and be joyful!  A song to lift you up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNKu1uNBVkU

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