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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.


Reflection by Lyn Francisco

Today's Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34

When I read today’s Gospel, the first thing that popped into my head was a hymn I’ve sung in church called “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God.” Karen Lafferty wrote both the text (adapted from Matthew 6:33) and the tune in 1971. She was struggling with financial difficulties after having started a full-time music ministry, and after attending a Bible study on this verse, she returned home with new encouragement. Her adaptation of the text and the beauty and simplicity of the tune she wrote to go with it catapulted the hymn to popularity, enabling her to continue and develop her ministry.

What is it about this text that may have given Lafferty encouragement to continue on? Today’s Gospel is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus gave clear instructions to His followers not to worry about their lives and the things surrounding them. It’s all about trusting in God’s providence. If you continually worry about things, then maybe you’re not trusting God. Perhaps there was something about that line that spoke to Lafferty before she penned her famous hymn. Trust in God and He will provide. She used her skills to write this hymn, and her trust in God was rewarded when it helped sustain and further develop her music ministry.

I also had some experience with this. In 2017, the Personnel Committee at the church I worked at made the difficult decision to cut three positions to balance the budget. My position was one of those eliminated. After having spent eight years at this position, I wasn’t sure what I should do. After three weeks, and thanks to the help of a friend, good timing, and trust in God, I was able to land a position at Duke University, and I’ve been there ever since.

 

Ponder:

 

Have you ever been in any situation in which you had to trust in God’s providence?

 

Pray:


Gracious God, we know that we can trust in Your providence. Help us to have faith that we may know Your will as we live day by day.

 


Click to tweet:
It’s all about trusting in God’s providence. If you continually worry about things, then maybe you’re not trusting God.
#dailygospel

Daily Gospel 2

 


Copyright 2022 Lyn Francisco

Lyn Francisco is an organic chemist by training and education. When she is not at the lab bench, she occupies organ benches in churches around Durham, NC. She also serves as cantor at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham.