Worries enough

We live in uncertain and anxious times, to be certain.  Each week, often each day, the nation gathers around screens with hope for new information that can give some sort of assurances that life will return to normal.  Perhaps the greatest anxiety isn’t in what we know, but what we don’t know.  I’ve rarely seen times that I don’t find Matthew 6:34 more important in my own scripture meditation:
 
“Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
 
Jesus gives us this instruction right after assuring his listeners that our focus should be on eternal matters, that God provides for our needs, that what sets us apart from the rest of the world is that we can have peace in knowing that God is still in control, still sovereign, and still provides.
 
That doesn’t mean we don’t have enough real concerns for today!  I doubt there are many people who have no concerns as we look at the stressors of the day.  It is not without some validity that fears of a return to some of our most difficult times as a nation could be returning as millions still are without work.  Our nation is seemingly paralyzed in response to a virus that we still only know a limited amount about.  Perhaps foremost among our fears is that we will never return to normal, that those things we hope for will not return to the way they were.
 
We hope for a return to work, to old routines, to booming economies, to mask-less grocery runs, to coffee with friends, to dance recitals and concerts and sporting events, to gathering with family and friends, and for the believer in particular a return to our regular gatherings on Sunday.
 
I do not fear these things will not return, but I long for the day to come quickly!  As I anticipate our return to fellowship together, I am praying through 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10…
 
“How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?”
 
I pray for you all, many of you by name, as we continue this period of isolation that even in these times apart we are dwelling in God’s word, that we continue to grow in our faith even as we are unable to be in the same room.  I encourage you all to reach out to one another for the purpose of spurring each other on to greater Godliness; we truly do live in an interesting timee that provides great opportunity to see God work in our lives!
 
For His Glory,
-Pastor Zach