An A3 Devotional
by H.A. Moldez, National Director of A2/Philippines
Each day is not as certain as we think of and to talk about. Nothing is certain in COVID-19 days! Changes happen quickly and swiftly. Plans are revised every now and then; we are left confused and groping in the dark. The experts’ projections of scenario after scenario, if not properly sieved, make top-heavy our worsening anxieties and fear. Local execs, either in public or private sectors, doing that much to the best they can, are in a quandary, influenced by opinionated seemingly wise individuals and scoop-seeking media resulting to nerve-wracking confusions and expectations among the citizens. Crisscrossed opinions considerably take their heavy toll on the gullible, stubborn and equally opinionated populace. How do we cope?
Jesus, for a worry-filled life, calls us to seek God’s Kingdom (Matt 6:33), to see that He reigns. God is in control of our daily needs and cares for us more than the birds of the air, the lilies of the fields. (26, 28-30). The birds and the lilies catch His attention and draw His fatherly care, how much more of us His children. We can move from fear to faith, from worry to worship of the God who cares and controls everything if we consider what see, taking time to pause, ponder, and pray of this truth.
The birds of the air and the lilies of the field, helpless as they are, daily depend on God’s common grace. Birds rely on God to feed them. Lilies’ existence is fleeting –today they are flowers (even King Solomon’s wardrobe couldn’t compare with them in beauty), the next day they are fuel for the fire (30). No matter how short and simple, their respective existence testifies to God’s love and grace. Never forget then, that our worth is much greater as God’s valued children.
We, cooped up in COVID-19 lockdown, are forced to contend that life is only for the day. Jesus emphasized that there is already enough trouble for the day why then would we allow the threat of tomorrow distract and disturb us? What matters is now, the present moment, in the loving care of our heavenly Father.
Let’s seize the day by seeking the Kingdom of God in prayer, pondering God’s word and practicing daily dependence on God. Our heavenly Father knows what we are worried about and He, already, has plans on how to take care of it. Daily, God quietly unfolds His common grace to surprise all of His creatures, His children and nature with His care, control and covenant of His steadfast love. Let God embrace us today and trust that He will do so tomorrow as well.
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25 Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes. See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:25-34 NIV)
Contemplative Conversation
READ – Listen to the Word
Read the reflection and Matt 6:25-34. What speaks to you? Let God’s care and control of daily life warm your soul. Write a sentence on what resonates in your heart.
REFLECT – Learn from the Word
Learn together by sharing your insights from reading and reflection:
- What insights from the birds and lilies help you entrust your worries in God’s Fatherly care and control?
- How are you guided to “look” at daily realities in the light of God, our heavenly Father?
- Why is it important to live in the present moment? How do you do that?
- How will seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness strengthen you to live one day at a time?
RESPOND – Live the Word
- Come to God to talk to Him your daily worries and trust Him to provide your needs and protect your life. Name your worries to God and let Him blow these away.
- Read the simple prayer below:
Lord, I worry so much. I worry a great deal everyday.
I worry about my family and friends,
work and livelihood, my country and the world
as Corona Virus smells like the scent death.
I worry for the supply of food,
for staying strong and safe from infection.
Lord, calm my heart and be confident in your love.
I know O Lord about the futility of worry.
So help me to worry less and to have more peace.
Take control of my heart with Your love;
guard my mind to stay in You.
Help me seek Your Kingdom right in my heart.
Let me stay in your Presence
Where I ponder Your love and I receive
your protection for daily life.
Amen!
REST – Linger in the Word
- Spend some moments to let the message God has personally spoken to you
- Renew your soul in God’s love.
Herman Moldez
National Director, A2/Philippines
More Information
- Other articles from Herman:
- Country Profile: Philippines
- Other articles about the Philippines
