Do not worry! Earthly
goods deceive the human heart into believing that they give it security and
freedom from worry. But in truth, they are what cause anxiety. The heart which
clings to goods receives with them the choking burden of worry. Worry collects treasures,
and treasures produce more worries. We desire to secure our lives with earthly
goods; we want our worrying to make us worry-free, but the truth is the
opposite. The chains which bind us to earthly goods, the clutches which hold
the goods tight, are themselves worries.
Abuse of earthly goods
consists of using them as a security for the next day. Worry is always directed
toward tomorrow. But the goods are intended only for today in the strictest
sense. It is our securing things for tomorrow which makes us so insecure today.
It is enough that each day should have its own troubles. Only those who put
tomorrow completely into God’s hand and receive fully today what they need for
their lives are really secure. Receiving daily liberates me from tomorrow.
Biblical Wisdom
“But strive first for
the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to
you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of
its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:33-34
Questions to Ponder
·
If “worry collects
treasures, and treasures produce more worries,” how might one stop worrying?
·
How can we tell the
difference between what we really “need” for our lives and what we think we
need but really only want? Can we be content with what we really need?
·
Practically speaking,
what would it mean to stop our “abuse of earthly goods” and “put tomorrow
completely into God’s hand”?
Psalm Fragment
How precious is your
steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light. Psalm 36:7-9
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light. Psalm 36:7-9
Journal Reflections
·
Write down your worries
of today.
·
Reflect on why you have
these worries.
·
How many of them have to
do with things you have or want to have?
·
Explore ways in which
trusting God for today and tomorrow might relieve your worry and fear.
Intercessions
Pray for the people you
know who are worried or afraid. Ask God to deliver them from their worries by
increasing their trust in God’s providential care.
Prayer for Today
Lord, I place my worries
in your gracious hand and live this day trusting that you are with me and that
what I have is more than I need.
40-Day Journey with
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Copyright © 2007 Augsburg Books, imprint of Augsburg Fortress
