Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Do you ever wake up or go to bed feeling anxious? Do you ever catch yourself worrying—maybe even terrified over circumstances that hang over you like a thundering sky? Years ago, in my early walk with God, I went through seasons of life where I felt anxious from things I allowed myself to worry about.

Maybe you know that the Bible tells us that worrying accomplishes absolutely  nothing positive! Luke 12:25-26 NLT says, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can’t do little things like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?”

The truth is worrying only steals from us. It steals sleep. It distracts us from God’s voice and promises. It clouds clear thinking, and often leads to irrational impulses! It can make us irritable, and bring out the worst of our character—especially around those we love. It can cause stress that manifests itself as sickness. It can even lead to discouragement, depression or worse. It leads some to isolate themselves from others which results in a lack of interaction with other Christians who would otherwise be a source of godly encouragement. God wants you around others Christians so they can be led by Him to remind you of His love and care. Bottom line: worrying is the pits and produced nothing good!

Have you also noticed that you usually worry about something that you are afraid of losing and trying to hold on to. That could be people, a job, or a diversity of things. 

Do you remember the story in Exodus, when the Lord led the Israelites out from the most horrific circumstances under Pharaoh’s repression? They were crying out to God and that is why He raised up Moses and sent him to help them! The Lord took them out of this captivity, miraculously leading them by fire and a cloud. He split the Red Sea. He destroyed Pharaoh’s army. He rained down supernatural angel food—manna from Heaven. He caused water to flow from a rock. Their clothes and footwear supernaturally lasted without wearing out the entire 40 years they were in the desert! God continuously provided for them. They had little, so they had little to protect. Their worries were strictly from their imagination because God was taking care of them.

Generations later, it happened again. They only existed as a nation and people because of God, and now they had forgotten God. They worried and tried anything and everything to fix their own problems. They became their own god and drifted from the one who loved them so dearly to begin with.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord rebuked the children of Israel for letting worry steal their relationship with Him. Through Jeremiah the Lord said, “This is what the Lord says: “What sin did your ancestors find in me that led them to stray so far? They worshiped foolish idols, only to become foolish themselves. They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord who brought us safely out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness—a land of deserts and pits, of drought and death, where no one lives or even travels?’ “And when I brought you into a fruitful land to enjoy its bounty and goodness, you defiled my land and corrupted the inheritance I had promised you. The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord?’ The judges ignored me, the rulers turned against me, and the prophets spoke in the name of Baal, wasting their time on nonsense.” Jeremiah 2:5-8 (NLT)

In the early days of my Christian walk, I let worry have place in my life. My mind was often over-active and I struggled to have good sleep. I would read and reread these scriptures from Jeremiah, letting them correct me and comfort me. They revealed that God wanted us to lean on Him and not ourselves. I would get on my knees, and began to worship the Lord and pray. I would tell the Lord, I am not going to let cares and worries have any place in my mind, imagination or heart. I rebuke them in Jesus name. I refuse to let worry have any place in my life! You have given me a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. A sound mind is a worry-free mind! Lord, I thank you that you love me, care for me, and are the one that helps and protects me. I thank you for leading me to green pastures and still waters. I thank you for showing me and leading me to the solutions for my life, and for the miracles for situations you do not want me to handle myself.  Lord, I had nothing. Everything I have and every good thing in my life is because of you. I refuse to dishonor you by worrying. I will draw near in worship to you, the one who loves and cares for me. 

Worries may try to come, but when I let this be my heart and prayer, The clouds part, the sun shines, anxieties are busted and my heart is restored, refreshed, and my faith strengthened! It’s His will for you also!

Philippians. 4:6 (NIV)”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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