We’ve all found ourselves worrying about what will happen tomorrow. Listen to today’s news and you will be fearful. However, when you listen to the Good News, you will be faithful. Confusion is not of God. There is no panic in Heaven. Jesus said, “…do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Mt. 6:34). 95% of the things we worry about never even happen! If you are filled with the dread of tomorrow you will never enjoy today.
God is in control. As I was recently meditating on Isaiah 41 and 43, three phrases stood out to me. God repeatedly tells Israel, “I have…”, “I am…”, and “I will….” He is saying to them, I have taken care of your past/yesterdays. I am taking care of your present/today. I will take care of your future/tomorrows and ultimately eternity! Here are three reasons why we never have to worry about the future:
The Greatness of God
God is greater than anything we will ever face. He is greater than the past, present, and future. God tells the Israelites, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God” (Is. 41:10). Isaiah 40 tells of His greatness. (If you have a minute, take time to read it and be reminded of who our God is.) He is greater than all nations, controlling their rise and fall. He is everlasting. He is Creator. He is above all. The second half of Isaiah 41:10 says, “…I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The Israelites would be exiles in Babylon. They wondered how they could ever go back and rebuild their nation. They feared other nations and knew they’d have to travel through modern-day Iraq and Iran to get to Jerusalem. Fear caused them to forget and it causes us to forget. We forget God’s faithfulness in the past. The God who brought Israel out of Egypt by parting the Red Sea and later the Jordan River reminds them that He would be with them and they would be OK (Is. 43:2).
The Guidance of God
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand… I will help you… I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this…” (Is. 41:13, 18). God wants you to put your life in His hands. Like the old song says, “Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water; Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea. Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently, By putting your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee.” When you are tempted to be afraid or anxious read Psalm 139. Verses 9-10 say, “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 23 reminds us that the Lord is our Shepherd and He leads us. Isaiah 30:21 tells us we will hear a voice telling us the way to go. God gives us so many promises that He will guide us!
The Grace of God
“‘Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer…” (Is. 41:14). Jacob was a slimy, slick worm who stole his brother’s birthright and blessing. God changed Jacob’s name and made him a prince! God sees us not for who we are but for who we can become. Isaiah 43:1 says, “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” We have all made wrong choices that took us down wrong paths. I hate to think where I would be today if it were not for God’s grace! Like the hymn says, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.”
You will face challenges, but God will be with you and He will guide you. Let these words be personal for you today: “Listen to me…you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Is. 46:3-4). The future for the people of God is clear, therefore we need not fear. The book of Revelation says we are going to have a new name, live in a new Jerusalem, sing a new song, and there is coming a new heaven and earth. He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” The best is yet to come! He has taken care of your past/yesterdays. He is taking care of your present/today. He will take care of your future/tomorrows and ultimately eternity!