But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith (Philippians 3:7-9). A simple prayer. A simple answer to a prayer. How could it be so? Tom had prayed many times before just as this time, yet somehow something was different. For one thing, it seemed that everything had fallen into place his way, or at least how he thought would be best. Could it be that God’s way and Tom’s way finally lined up so perfect that all the things he hoped for were coming true? He wasn’t completely sure, nor was he completely convinced. For though He was so very thankful, he still had a feeling of anxiety. He worried that what looked too good to be true, was. And he held his breath while he awaited everything to unfold as it looked like it was going to. Even as we all have times of trials, many of us would have to say that we have times when things just seem to fall into the perfect place. Times when things just could not get any better. Our desires that we have told our Lord about seem to be exactly what is in line with His will, and we stand amazed that--well--that our prayers are being answered. Perhaps we forget that we have a loving Heavenly Father who gives good gifts out of His nature, and Who is ready to give us “the desires of your heart” when our heart’s desires line up with His will. Nevertheless, we hold our breath and wait for time to pass--hoping we won’t lose what it seems God has given to us. We have all probably heard someone say that worry is sin. Perhaps that is because unfounded worry seems to take our focus off of Christ and our faith from Him as well. So we might see that even in the good times we may worry. We may not worry about what is not, but rather we may worry that what we have will be somehow taken from us. But that is not of God. He is not wanting us to trust in Him so He can pull the rug out from under us. He is not some cruel prankster getting kicks out of waiting for us to get comfortable only to knock us down when we least expect it. No, God desires what is best for us all, and He keeps that best in mind for us. It is His will to work the best out for us within our lives--the best as He defines it within His will. But what if things seem to be going the way you want, but you are afraid it may not be in line with God’s will? If it is not in God’s will, we would be best to change our desires to line up with His will. For if things are going our way, but are not His way, it is certainly not the best way. If we have sought God and believe that it is His will that is being done, then all that is left to do is to trust Him--and relax. If it is His will, He will not allow it to be snatched away from you. You do not need to fear, but let go of your anxiety and tell God you are just going to trust everything to Him. We can worry about just about anything if we are given the opportunity. We will worry when things are good, and when things are bad. But worry is simply something that comes about when we seek to hold on to something other than God. Even if it is something we would consider good to hold on to. But we must hold on to nothing but God, for He is truly the only thing we can be assured of that won’t go away--even if we lose, or give up, all else.

Day by Day Devotionals: www.daybyday.org