Matthew 6:25,33-34 – Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 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. (NRSV)

When I first arrived in Alberta, Canada, at a new pastoral charge, there was great anxiety and stress. Could I survive without my wife of 25 years and my family for such a long time? We had never been separated for more than a few days at a time. I finally remembered today's verses from Matthew's gospel that had helped me so much during my time in seminary just a few short years before. I had taken the verses from Matthew 6:25-34 and blown them up on my computer and printed them out, not once, but several times. I then taped these printouts all over my room at Knox College so that wherever I looked in the room, I could see them and receive comfort.

The other day, our Editor asked me to try and write a devotional for this page. More stress and worry. But with the encouragement of God and several good friends, I have decided to put my life back into God's hands and not let the worry get me down. All of us need to realize that God is in charge of our lives and that if we would only turn them over to Him, we would not have the stress and worry that keeps so many doctors and psychiatrists in business.

Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.