Thursday Daily Faith Connection

FAITH CONNECTION – FARMERSVILLE UMC
Ministry Updates for Thursday, April 2^nd , 2020
Today reflection is contributed by Jenny Michael. The prayer is by Pastor Brian.
*Presence*
I am a big fan of coaches—sports coaches, life coaches and business coaches have a unique way of bringing out the best in us. During this past year, my coach has been challenging me, to uncomfortable levels sometimes, to stay present. I’m an over thinker, a worrier and a fixer. The practice of staying present and being in the moment, has been part of my personal and professional development, but I really believe that work was preparing me for this moment in time. It is so easy to watch and read the news and become consumed by the “what if” and “what else” that come racing through our minds. It is overwhelming, even for an optimist like me. When I start thinking about tomorrow, next week or next month, I try to pause, refocus myself and stay present with what is right here and right now. Matthew 6:34 is especially comforting to me right now and reminds me to stay present. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
*Prayer*
God of past and future, God of the saints, God of all who have gone before us and all who will come after us, you are also God of the present. With an eye to the future, we sometimes lose sight of your presence in the moment. When Jesus told us that ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand’, he meant it is close, if only we would let go of our preoccupations and sense it. Help us be healed from the wounds that leave us stuck in the past. Help us be relieved of the fear that gets us stuck in some imaginary future. May we look to past hurts with the reminder that you heal and forgive. When we consider the future, let us do it in the light of your promises. Help us, more than anything, be attentive to the present, where we will find you, as well as the gifts and challenges that you have in store for us right here and right now. Free us from worry, and move us into living in the joy that is trusting in you. Amen.