We can get so focused on our troubles, worries, and doubts that we can forget what God’s Word says: ‘Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life’? (Psalm 23:6 ESV). We know about Job’s troubles, but we tend to forget they were just for a short span in an otherwise extremely blessed life. The time Joseph spent in prison was eclipsed by the years of influence and privilege he enjoyed as the number-two man in Pharaoh’s palace. Are you having difficulty enjoying your blessings because you’re afraid they won’t last? Maybe you’re so adapted to trouble that you’re continually braced for it, like sitting in a comfortable sofa and not being able to relax. It’s time to stop worrying and start believing God’s promises to you. He hasn’t brought you this far to abandon you. He has ‘appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit’ (John 15:16 NLT). Lasting joy, being effective at what you do – that’s God’s plan for you. The Bible says: ‘The Son is…sustaining all things by his powerful word.’ God doesn’t speak something over your life, then let it fall apart. He said, ‘My word…will…achieve the purpose for which I sent it’ (Isaiah 55:11 NIV). In Genesis 1:14, God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night’ (ESV). And that same sun shines today because of the word that brought it into being, and it’ll shine again tomorrow. If God will do that for an inanimate object like the sun, He’ll take care of you too. So let’s believe that you’re called and chosen by God.

What now?

As you’re out and about today, keep an eye out for birds. Remember God’s promise that He’ll look after sparrows, and then remember how much more He values you.