Theme of the month: LIVE HAPPY... TODAY

DAY 14: LIVE HAPPY... WITHOUT WORRY

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

A coat comes in handy during winter time since it keeps out the cold. Yet, do you realize that we daily have a choice between two coats we wear into the day. One coat is heavy, dark and woolly. The other one is light and stylish. The Word of God calls these coats one of worry or one of praise.

When you don’t invite the Holy Spirit early morning into your life and choose to have a positive attitude during the day, the enemy chooses the heavy, dark and woolly coat on your behalf. This coat causes us to see (and focus on) the negative aspects around us – the rising unemployment rate, the high electricity prices, the crisis at home or at work or the high crime rate. These things hang on your shoulders much like the ugly, heavy, dark and wooly coat. It causes anxiety, depression and fear to overwhelm us and steal our joy.

The alternative is to invite the Holy Spirit early in the morning into our lives and to ask Him to help us to look at life’s challenges with a positive attitude. In this instance, we will still be aware of the challenges, but even more so of the greatness and power of the God we serve. He already has the answers to every crisis and He can work everything to the good for those who love Him.

Which coat are you wearing today? If concern currently dominates your life, go back to the Word of God and memorize these scriptures:

  • 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
  • Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me...”
  • Matthew 6:31-33: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Why don’t you cast your worries unto God? He will guide you through the darkest season of your life. Put your faith in Him for every need you might have today and instead of worrying, pray and thank God for the breakthrough He plans for your future. Do it and you might just one day experience the heavy, dark, furry coat falling onto the ground while you walk into the future with your light, stylish coat! God bless.

Father God, thank you for being in control of every situation in my life. Help me daily to take off the cloak of heaviness and put on the garment of praise. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a freelance journalist and author of the books, Ontdek God in die stories van mense, Wysheid-oordenkings uit Spreuke and Hoop in tye van nood-oordenkings uit Psalms.