Your Daily Devotional for November 8, 2007

 

November 8,  2007

 

 

Our Hidden Habit

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

"And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."

 

Mark 4:18–19

 

 

We all battle with the same hidden habit. It is hidden because it exists in our thoughts. This habit does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it only empties today of its strength. It constantly drains the energy God gives us to face daily problems and to fulfill our many responsibilities. It does not help us escape temptation; it only makes us unfit to cope with it when it comes.

 

We all privately fight this habit, and most of us continue battling against it. Eliminating this habit would give us more energy to serve God, more focus to accomplish His work, and more faith to trust God. The habit is worry, and according to the Scriptures, it takes root when the cares of this world take precedence over the promises of Christ.

 

Actor Jimmy Stewart enlisted in the Army Air Corps when the United States entered World War II in 1941. Jimmy's father, Alex Stewart, chose to trust his son to God. He extended his faith by sending God's truth with Jimmy in a farewell letter. Sending these words of comfort far surpassed the "good" any worrying would do for his son's life.

 

My dear Jim boy. Soon after you read this letter, you will be on your way to the worst sort of danger. Jim, I'm banking on the enclosed copy of the 91st Psalm. The thing that takes the place of fear and worry is the promise of these words. I am staking my faith in these words. I feel sure that God will lead you through this mad experience. I can say no more. I only continue to pray. Goodbye, my dear. God bless you and keep you. I love you more than I can tell you. Dad.

 

Jimmy Stewart returned home unharmed and a hero. During the height of battle, Stewart said he learned to lean on the words of his tattered copy of Psalm 91, especially verses one and two, which speak of God as a refuge and fortress. Upon returning home, he told his father: "What a promise for an airman. I placed in His hands the squadron I would be leading. And, as the psalmist promised, I felt myself borne up."

 

Stewart carried the letter with him for the rest of his life, and the words from the Psalm that his father gave him are written on his grave marker: "For He shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways."

 

Alex Stewart did not waste time worrying; he spent time praying. When we can't "fix" a situation, mend a relationship, take back thoughtless words, or understand a tragedy, may we not waste time worrying, but may we have victory over our hidden habit through praying!

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Jeremiah 43-45 • Hebrews 5

 

 

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