Fear of Tomorrow

First published in "Devozine," Jan. 2017 edition

Matthew 6:34 
Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.

At one point in my life, facing the future became extremely difficult. Dealing with one disappointment after another had left some of my deepest longings unfulfilled. Although I had spent much of my life trying to be confident and positive, I was now afraid to feel the slightest bit hopeful so I could always be prepared to be let down. I wouldn't allow myself to enjoy happy moments so that I would be less hurt when everything crashed.

Instead of looking forward to what was ahead, I imagined my future as barren and defeated and simply tried to endure each day. While I thought I was being wise and cautious, I was actually nurturing and reinforcing fear as I practiced expecting the worst.



I still have moments when fear threatens to steal my joy and peace. But I try to remember that God's desire for me is to live in daily assurance, enjoying the countless gifts He gives and trusting Him to provide for any needs tomorrow.