Don't Worry, Be Happy

I have just finished putting together Sunday's worship service. The gospel lesson is Matthew 6:24-34, the heart of which is don't worry.

But today I have received my statement from Drew, showing an additional sum of money for this cross-cultural trip that I had not expected. As the cost of this time in seminary keeps mounting, as the cost of gasoline keeps mounting, as the cost of food in this world keeps mounting, how do I not worry? My heart wants to claim that Jesus just didn't understand--that it is a lot more complicated today. But I know that isn't really true. Since we first left the garden, we have struggled to take care of the essentials, and worried there wouldn't be enough. As a people, we have had a hard time trusting God. Think of the Israelites in the desert. Manna enough for the day, but still there were people who tried to save some for tomorrow. I bet they tried more than once.

Lord, you have not failed me yet. Help me to trust that you will continue to provide all that I need. And help me to recognize the difference between need and want.