Prayers and Thoughts

for Reflection

Lenton Devotional

2007

March 5

The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalms 121:7 - 8

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Jesus said, “I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

Luke 12:22 – 23

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8

            The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job.  A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start.  While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.  On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family.  As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

            When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation.  His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.  Afterward he walked me to the car.  We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me.  I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

            “Oh, that’s my trouble tree,” he replied.  “I know I can’t help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don’t belong in the house with my wife and the children.  So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home.  Then in the morning I pick them up again.

            “Funny thing is,” he smiled, “when I come out in the morning to pick ‘em up, there ain’t nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.” 

Author Unknown

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Lord, let me never forget that in all things you send there is blessing.  Every problem leading me to pray also leads me deeper into your presence.  Every trial that takes me to my knees also brings me closer to your throne.  Help me to remember that You will strengthen me to face all difficulties.  I know You will not desert me when I call to You with faith and trust.  In You, I can find the love and strength to face all difficulties.  Amen.