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“He said to His disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.' "

-- Luke 12:22, 23
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Luke+12:22-34

It comes like a storm in the night. Surrounded by darkness and in a slumber, you dream. Suddenly the sound of the wind rushing through the leaves, bushes and branches stroking the house and the rhythmic meter of drops of water landing solidly on the house end the dream. The wind picks up, the foliage begins to make unfamiliar sounds of either greeting or warning. The rain gathers your attention. Now a howl is in the air, in the trees. To your surprise, you hear and rip, and snap, followed by a loud pop and a crash. Though this sounds like a storm, it is your heart and your psyche. Anxiety, it causes us to lose hope and surrounds us with fear and panic.

Hear the Good News, Jesus reminds us of God's love and care for each of us. "Consider the Ravens, . . . Consider the lilies, . . . Do not be afraid, little Flock, for it is God's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." During the storms that enter our night, remember God will be there. Of all of the damage and destruction that came through Tatum, not soul was hurt. Lucky? Hardly! God is hear in Tatum, God is within me, within you. Why, oh why should we ever be overcome by anxiety, does it add days to our life, or make it better? God, our Father, knows what we need and will care for us always.

Lord, the house that we call our life rattles form time to time, the forage that is our surrounding howls, and it is so easy for us to become consumed by fear and doubt. Remind us of Your presence Your love, and Your care. There are many people in our lives that are surrounded and consumed by anxiety and doubt, strengthen them and strengthen us, so we might know and share Your presence with others. Thank You for all You have done in my life, and all You will continue to do, through Christ our Lord I pray. Amen.