Rejoicing in Hope

What a stress filled time! The economy is bad. What about our jobs? What if our favored candidate does not get elected? What will happen to our country? Will we lose the freedom that so many fought and died for? What about our health care? Will we be able to see a doctor when we are ill?

Thanksgiving is coming, and we will be gobbling down our turkey. Then, Christmas will be upon us. Where will the money for gifts come from? Who wants to sing carols with all of these concerns?

Worry robs us of the peace that God intended. God did not promise that life will be easy and men will be righteous. He tells us to set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Col. 3:2. He promises eternal life to those who know Him and accept the death of His Son for their salvation. So enjoy Thanksgiving and celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas. Rejoice always in God’s promise. He never fails.

Set Your Affections

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Col. 3:2

Wow! How simplistic can one be. It sounds so easy, but in day to day life we just get distracted from the impact this verse should play in our lives. Right now I think of the economy - not good. We worry about retirement, college costs and car loans. Then there are home mortgages and jobs. That's the big stuff.

But, you know, a lot of little stuff gets in the way of our focusing on eternity. We have to make meals, do laundry, go to work, do school work, pick up kids from school - or teach them ourselves. How about doing the grocery shopping and cleaning house. Somebody needs to cut the grass and wash the car. So many little jobs keep us focused on the here and now.

We seem to run out of time to do everything that is set before us. As we are doing one thing, we are thinking of something else we think we should be doing. We rob ourselves of the fun and joy of the immediate job that God has given us. My daughter reminded me this morning that we need to realize that we can enjoy each job by not worrying about the ones still on the list.

God is not going to look at our 'to do' list at the end of the day and check to see how many things we accomplished. Yes, He wants us to spend our time wisely, but He is more concerned with what is going on inside of us. What do we value? Are we so concerned about today that we forget eternity? Think about it. During these troubling times set your affections on God.