The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "FINDING OUR WAY" for Friday, 27 May 2016 with Scripture Numbers 14:1-11

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "FINDING OUR WAY" for Friday, 27 May 2016 with Scripture Numbers 14:1 At this all the people of Isra’el cried out in dismay and wept all night long. 2 Moreover, all the people of Isra’el began grumbling against Moshe and Aharon; the whole community told them, “We wish we had died in the land of Egypt! or that we had died here in the desert! 3 Why is Adonai bringing us to this land, where we will die by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be taken as booty! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “Let’s appoint a leader and return to Egypt!”
5 Moshe and Aharon fell on their faces before the entire assembled community of the people of Isra’el. 6 Y’hoshua the son of Nun and Kalev the son of Y’funeh, from the detachment that had reconnoitered the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the whole community of Isra’el, “The land we passed through in order to spy it out is an outstandingly good land! (iii) 8 If Adonai is pleased with us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us — a land flowing with milk and honey. 9 Just don’t rebel against Adonai. And don’t be afraid of the people living in the land — we’ll eat them up! Their defense has been taken away from them, and Adonai is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
10 But just as the whole community were saying they should be stoned to death, the glory of Adonai appeared in the tent of meeting to all the people of Isra’el. 11 Adonai said to Moshe, “How much longer is this people going to treat me with contempt? How much longer will they not trust me, especially considering all the signs I have performed among them?
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“You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the LORD. “Yet, you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’”[Malachi 3:13 (NIV)]
As a volunteer tutor at a community center, I had been assigned to help a student named Tony with his math homework. For more than an hour, I had worked with him, but Tony was not interested in my tips. In fact, during most of the tutoring session, he had grumbled and complained, explaining that he did not see any value in learning math. After listening to his complaints, I began to tell him why I thought math was important. Several minutes later, Tony looked at his math problems, apologized for his behavior, and said that he was ready to work on his assignment.
It does not take much for us to start complaining. Just like the Israelites in today’s reading from Numbers, we too can find ourselves grumbling and expressing our doubts toward God. Often these doubts come as a result of not understanding what God is doing in our lives. But God knows what is best for us and has a plan for us. If we obey God and rest securely in God’s promises, God will open our hearts and our minds, enabling us to see the way ahead.
Read more from the author, here."More from James C. Hendrix"
“Go ahead, sir,” the twenty-something said as he held the restaurant’s front door open for me. “Thank you,” I replied, feeling embarrassed. Lately, more people address me as “sir.” Although I should feel honored to be regarded with respect, I often simply feel old. With each passing birthday, I find myself thinking more than usual about what the next years hold in store for me. Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night startled by a dream about moving out of my home and into a nursing home.
During my teenage years, I used to smile when I saw elderly people dozing off during worship services. My mother cautioned me about poking fun at others. “Your time will come,” she said. She was right. Recently, I have caught myself falling asleep in church, at home while watching TV, and frequently while trying to read. More often than in the past, uncertainty fills my mind and I have become preoccupied with thoughts about developing Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, or another illness that might prevent me from caring for myself.
A few days ago, I talked with a friend about my increasing worries. She seemed surprised that I had developed so many fears about growing older. “First, you’re not that old,” she said. “Second, what will you accomplish by worrying?” Later that evening, I thought about what she had said, and I realized she was right--worry accomplishes nothing. In fact, when I worry, I often feel more helpless and hopeless.
Of course I realize there are times when worry can be helpful. I call this “good” worry. This is the worry that causes me to take action and move forward. Good worry prompts me to set goals and plan for the future, rather than sitting back to see what will come my way.
What I usually engage in is what I call “bad” worry. Bad worry causes me to dwell on negative thoughts about what might happen, and I often simply shut down and become immobilized.
During the conversation with my friend, she reminded me about how Christians should approach worry. “Remember, God has everything in his control,” she said. Again, she was right. If I truly believe that God is in control, then I have no need to be anxious. My friend also reminded me about the importance of enjoying life. I cannot control every aspect of my future, but I can choose to enjoy each day God gives me.
In my own power, it is not easy to stop worrying. But through prayer, I can trust God to break the chains that I place on myself. Through faith in a loving God, I can journey into the future without fear.[James C. Hendrix]
The Author: James C. Hendrix (Indiana, USA)
Thought for the Day: In times of doubt or frustration, I can draw near to God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remain faithful to you, as you have been to us. Amen.
Prayer focus: VOLUNTEER TUTORS

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