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One Day at a Time
Read Matthew 6:34. What is Jesus telling us here? How can we learn to do what He says? Why is it so important?
Putting into practice the message of Matthew 6:34 would bring so much peace to people today. Jesus is not asking us to ignore planning or to be careless. He simply is telling us not to worry about what may happen, not to use the typical “What if” thoughts: “What if I get sick?” “What if I lose my job?” “What if I have an accident?” “What if my child dies?” “What if someone attacks me?”
The following list shows the various things that make up an average person’s anxiety. Anxious individuals focus on:
One of the keys for living one day at a time is contentment, an effective antidote for worry. Contentment is not an inheritable attitude but an acquired characteristic. Paul said that “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (vs. 12, NIV). In this day and age, in which we face so many problems, there is a need to develop a sense of contentment for what we presently have and not to worry about what might come tomorrow.
Jesus said: “ ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ ” (John 14:27, NIV). In practical terms, how do you benefit from Jesus’ assurance of peace of mind? Share your answer in class on Sabbath. What can you learn from each other?
| THURSDAY | January 6 |
Read Matthew 6:34. What is Jesus telling us here? How can we learn to do what He says? Why is it so important?
Putting into practice the message of Matthew 6:34 would bring so much peace to people today. Jesus is not asking us to ignore planning or to be careless. He simply is telling us not to worry about what may happen, not to use the typical “What if” thoughts: “What if I get sick?” “What if I lose my job?” “What if I have an accident?” “What if my child dies?” “What if someone attacks me?”
The following list shows the various things that make up an average person’s anxiety. Anxious individuals focus on:
- Fifty percent of events that will never happen
- Twenty-five percent of occurrences of the past that cannot be changed
- Ten percent about unconfirmed criticism by others
- Ten percent about health (much of it apprehensive)
- Five percent about real problems that will be faced
One of the keys for living one day at a time is contentment, an effective antidote for worry. Contentment is not an inheritable attitude but an acquired characteristic. Paul said that “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (vs. 12, NIV). In this day and age, in which we face so many problems, there is a need to develop a sense of contentment for what we presently have and not to worry about what might come tomorrow.
Jesus said: “ ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ ” (John 14:27, NIV). In practical terms, how do you benefit from Jesus’ assurance of peace of mind? Share your answer in class on Sabbath. What can you learn from each other?
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