Worry

Read: Mark 8: 1-21 Worrying About Crap
S	Mark 8: 15 (NLT) As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod”.
O	1.    Yeast symbolizes evil. First act of evil was recorded in Gen. 3:1, when Satan enticed Eve to doubt God’s word. 2.    Jesus fed 4000 people, met their needs with 7 baskets leftover; Pharisees “demanded” a miraculous sign as proof of Jesus’ divinity; Jesus warned disciples of the yeast (evil); then the disciples worried if God would meet their needs. 3.    Did the disciples forget what Jesus told them in Mark 6:50 and in Mark 7:20? In Mark 8:15 Jesus warns them of yeast and in Mark 8:17 Jesus scolds them, “Won’t you ever learn or understand?”
A	While in high school I mowed yards to make a couple bucks. One hot summer day, Mrs. Smith brought me a freshly squeezed lemonade and a sandwich. It wasn’t part of the agreement, but being a caring lady (employer), she made sure I received what I needed. How much greater is our “Perfect Employer”? Can you imagine working for your employer and not receive what you need?   Moreover, can you imagine working for your employer’s competitor, and still expecting your employer to meet your needs? Yet as a Christian working for the “Perfect Employer”, I foolishly worry about God meeting my needs. Naturally, I can understand why God would not meet my needs if I worked for His competitor. Over and over again I have seen God’s grace and goodness overflow in my life and others. Nevertheless, I have permitted doubt and worry to grow and infect my thoughts, and like yeast to steal God’s best plans for me. Jesus instructed us, as He walked on water in Mark 6:50, “Don’t be afraid”. Jesus informed us in Mark 7:20, “It is the thought-life that defiles you”. When I learned to trust and obey, and not worry about the crap in life, God then overflowed in me to provide me with all the leftovers I needed.
P	Loving and Patient Father. Shield me from the evil of doubt and worry. Help me to trust You. Live in me so others can see You in me and want more of You. I work for You. I don’t ask for a sign or a feeling to know You are God. I know that, “The more I seek You, the more I find You, and the more I find You, the more I love You”. Change my life with Your word. Do with me what You want. In Your name I pray. Amen.