Perhaps you are like me. I have a good imagination and can let it wander with ease into conjuring up worst-case scenarios and doom-and-gloom pictures.

I was well aware that Jesus told us not to worry.

Matthew 6:25a,27 – That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? (NLT)

When I noticed that my thoughts were bleak, I would remember that we are not supposed to worry, and then, I would feel guilty.

Bible study of the first chapter of John brought a couple of verses to my attention that gave me a clue about what I could do with worried thoughts and the subsequent guilt. They reminded me that God the Father, the One Who created the universe through the Word (Jesus Christ), cares for me as His child:

John 1:4 – The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. (NLT)

John 1:12 – To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (NIV 2011)

Greek word study showed me that "name" can mean person and presence. "Believe" refers to trust and commitment.

These days, when I notice a worst-case-scenario thought, I counter with, "I am committed to trust the person and presence of Jesus. I am in Christ as God's child, and He cares for me." My expanded concept of the person and presence of Jesus as God, creator, and owner of the universe brightens up the darkest imaginings, and trust wins. Looking to the person and presence of Jesus, the Word, in John 1 is my cure for worry. Turning my thoughts to Jesus sets my active imagination to expect His blessed best.

Do you have a worry today? May I suggest some hope? Let's think about the person and presence of Jesus instead.

Prayer: Father in heaven, in the name, the person, and the presence of Christ, we give thanks for Your gracious, tender care. We ask You to remind us of what You and Jesus are like. In every moment of our lives, may we show others Your kind of love. Amen.

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About the author:

Pat Bell <llebpat@gmail.com>
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
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