Wednesday, 4^th May, 2022

Bible Reading: Matthew 6: 25-34

Memory Verse:  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

Once upon a time, a psychology professor walked around on a stage while teaching stress management principles to an auditorium filled with students. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the typical “glass half empty or glass half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, the professor asked, “How heavy is this glass of water I’m holding?” Students shouted out answers ranging from eight ounces to a couple pounds. She replied, “From my perspective, the absolute weight of this glass doesn’t matter.

It all depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute or two, it’s fairly light. If I hold it for an hour straight, its weight might make my arm ache a little. If I hold it for a day straight, my arm will likely cramp up and feel completely numb and paralyzed, forcing me to drop the glass to the floor. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it feels to me.”

As the class shook their heads in agreement, she continued, “Your stresses and worries in life are very much like this glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and you begin to ache a little. Think about them all day long, and you will feel completely numb and paralyzed — incapable of doing anything else until you drop them.”

Lesson:  Life can turn around some uncertain corners, and sometimes it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude about the future. When you’re experiencing doubt or worry, whether it’s about a difficult family situation, a health problem, academic work, finance or other obstacle, don’t forget to drop the glass of worry and pick the Bible for hope and assurance.

It is important to remember to let go of your stresses and worries. No matter what happens during the day, by the evening of the day, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the night and into the next day with you. If you still feel the weight of yesterday’s stress, it’s a strong sign that it’s time to put the glass down.

Quote: Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear – Corrie Ten Boom

Prophetic Decree: The stronghold of worry in your life is broken, in Jesus name.

Prayer Focus

1. Thank you Father for giving me peace on every side.

2. I receive rest for my worrying soul, in Jesus name.

3. I drop my pain, stress, worry and doubt at the mercy seat, in Jesus name.

4. Fresh air of the Holy Ghost, ventilate my heart, in Jesus name.

5. I command deliverance fire upon my mind, in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  2 Sam. 5:11-25; 6:1-23; 1 Chron. 13-16