Introductory Thoughts
God tasks the watchman with some tremendous responsibilities. He has to remain alert for troubles at all hours of his watch and cannot slacken his resolve to stay attentive. Yet, we are told that if the Lord chooses not to intervene, all of the watchman’s worries and efforts are simply in vain. Interestingly, the watchman’s job is to worry! The fear of trouble keeps him up at night and causes him to rise up early in the morning to do his duty. Eventually, however, this worry produces physical ailments within the individual. With these negative outcomes, the worry and anxiety also provide no solution for the problems of this life. Worrying has deprived many good people of restfulness and sleep without offering the desperately sought after solutions. It is important to note that help has never come simply as a result of one’s worry, and no problems ever resolved themselves simply due to the magnitude of one’s worry. Bottom line: except the Lord intervenes in the problems at hand, no help will be forthcoming. Worry is vain!
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Read Matthew 8:23-26. The disciples were afraid because of a storm. Yet, Jesus was with them. He said that they should not have been afraid. Since He is always with us, we too should not worry or be afraid (Deuteronomy 31:6).
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(For everyone): Can you list any benefits you personally received from the time you spent in worry? How have your problems been solved with worry? How has your family been helped by your worry?
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How does worry disregard the greatest help available? How does prayer consult the greatest help available? Which one will you choose?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank the Lord for the option of prayer.
- Ask God to help you realize the vanity of worry.
Song
TRUSTING JESUS
