"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" - Phill 4:6 (NIV).
In Uganda one of the more testing times in parental relations is during back to school season and a child doubts his parents will come through, pay fees and enable him return to school. The child might be influenced by fears where having seen certain kids fail to return because their parents lost the means or interest that too might be his fate. Of course the child might as well have been observing events around home and possibly noticed certain scarcity or conflicts heightening his anxieties.
The fears of the child are not baseless and he needs some assurance. This too can be our experience with God. There could be that trying season where things do not seem to work out as should. Today with inflation on the rise yet the needs are ever growing one in charge of a household may wonder how to ever get through.
A child who is beset with doubt can be given a word of assurance by a concerned parent. 'Don't worry the fees will be paid!" Perhaps not exactly on time. But that word can do a lot to alleviate his fears and what a joy and relief when the parent comes through.
In our relation with God we too can be beset with fears. These might arise from economic anxieties or health concerns. How shall we get through against all the forces rising up against us! God is giving us a word of hope. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
A child who is anxious when given a word of hope will normally calm down because after all he has seen his parents come through countless times before. Likewise, when God gives us a word of assurance that He will come to our rescue, we do believe because we have seen Him come to our deliverance countless times before. For God says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, for all the uncertainties around me, I take up and hold on to your word of faith, that you are my stronghold and deliverer, this I pray in Jesus name.
