No "Buts"

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Sometimes I forget a very important truth in my life: GOD CARES FOR ME.  When problems arise, when troubles head my way, when the family is in a tizzy…I have to stop and purposely remind myself that God actively watches over me and is concerned with everything that concerns me.

I wish I knew why so much pain is allowed in our lives, but in the absence of answers, I try to put my focus on Him.  Yesterday I saw a friend whom I hadn’t seen in years, and I shared the story of the young woman who found her self thanking God that He delayed answering her prayers for a biological child until after she adopted her little boy.  By her own admission, her faith faulted more than once. 

And that’s when we were both comforted by the realization that there is no “but” to this verse.  He cares for you, but only when your faith is perfect.  He cares for you, but only when your attitude remains good.  He cares for you, but only when you pray a certain amount of times.

God cares for us no matter what, and that right there is reason enough to do a happy dance!

Let’s not use this unfailing love that God has for us as an excuse to not build our faith, to have bad attitudes, and never pray.  But rather, let’s allow His love for us and the power that He has at His disposal to ignite a passion for Him in 2015.  Let’s do what it says in Philippians 4:7, “…Let God know your concerns.  Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for Your unconditional love for us.  As we share our concerns with You today – (insert your concerns here) – we look forward to settling down.  We joyfully await all the wonderful things that happen when Jesus becomes our focus instead of worry. In His name, AMEN~