From Now Until Easter - Keep Calm and Carry On

From Ash Wednesday until Easter, I will post from Lent and Easter devotionals offered online. Tonight's post features excerpts written by Lisa Hansen-Tice - a chaplain in the United States Air Force.

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Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.

Psalm 37:1-2

It seems that in the course of history, we need to be reminded over and over again to stop worrying... We sloganize and trivialize our propensity to worry, as is demonstrated by the recent resurgence of “Keep calm and carry on” posters. Trivial as it might seem, David is saying just that: keep calm, trust in God, carry on with your life as a faithful follower...

David reminds us that there is something more important than worrying about the prosperity of the wicked, and that is focusing on the everlasting faithfulness of God. The psalm weaves back and forth between the action of trusting and waiting for God to act in God’s time and the justice that God will serve toward the actions of the wicked. In the end, patiently doing what God calls us to do and finding refuge in following God’s ways leads to security and hope in the future.

Lent is a season of waiting and refocusing on God’s ways. In this psalm, David reminds us that our words and deeds make a difference. So, set aside worry. Refrain from negative, destructive emotions like anger and envy. Be satisfied with what you have, for it is enough. Trust that God will provide you with eternal security, even if you feel threatened by the evil around you. Care for the weak and helpless and give to those in need, because it helps everyone. Basically, keep calm and carry on speaking words of justice, seeking peace, and following the righteousness of God.

Prayer: 

Righteous Lord, 

                       Help us to wait patiently for Your justice. Keep us from envying those who have much because of their wrongdoing. Bend our actions toward the poor and those in need. May Your law live in our hearts, and may our mouths utter Your wisdom. In this time of great anxiety, may we find refuge in You and Your ways. Amen.

Take the Time

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

I heard a discussion about how to deal with worry. One suggestion “from the experts” (not sure the background of the experts) was to set aside a specific time to worry. Basically, make an appointment with yourself to only worry during the allotted time frame. I can’t even begin to tell you how diametrically opposed that is to the Word of God!

One question was, “Why is it wrong to worry? I just can’t help it.”  Baloney… Paul instructs us in 2nd Corinthians to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. And in our Promise for Today, Jesus speaking, So don’t worry about these things… [emphasis mine]. Hebrews 11:6 tells us without faith it is impossible to please God. We cannot pick and choose which Scriptures we like – which ones we will obey.  2^nd Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. How can we be prepared to do EVERY good work if we are worried?

Choosing to worry instead of submitting it all to the Lord is an accusation against God. Worry says, ‘I don’t trust You, God.’ (That’s ugly, isn’t it?)

Let’s check history. 

Since the beginning of time, has God ever abdicated His throne?

Has there ever been an earth-shattering event that has knocked HIM for a loop? 

Any war that did that? Recession? Inflation? Unemployment rate? Hurricane? Tsunami?  Earthquake? Epidemic? Pandemic? Anything? 

Has there been anything ever that has shaken who HE is? 

Anything that has changed HIM and/or HIS ability to be Father God? 

Anything that caused God Himself to throw out any part of His Word as no longer relative?

Absolutely, unequivocally, indisputably, a resounding NO!

So if you want to set aside a time, let me suggest that it be a time to stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God. A time to seek His Kingdom above all else. A time to thank Him for all He has done for you thus far. Take the time to NOT worry…

Prayer:

Father,

          Forgive us for doubting You and Your love and Your ability to care for us and the things that concern us. Father, according to Your Word in 1^st Peter 5, today we choose to take the time to cast all our cares on You because You care for us. Help our unbelief, Father. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen