Emphasis Preaching Journal

I've had big enemies and small ones. Some threatened me with violence. A few wanted my job. Others would've been happy to see me out of a job. Numerous foes acted friendly to me. There are many whom I probably don't know are my enemies.

My greatest enemy, though, doesn't wear pants or dresses. No, it's not a nudist. My greatest enemy is inside me. I refer to something that preoccupies me and rarely leaves. It does more than take up space in my brain. It dominates at times.

Give it many names. It's always associated with tomorrow and next week, or next year. This ever-present enemy nearly defeated me after my bypass surgery. The doctor informed me that the leg veins they used to replace those four tiny heart arteries were good for only ten years. It upset and worried me that I had so "little time." That was ten years ago. Now another doctor (a cardiologist) says, "Don't worry, you're doing fine."

Abram worried about his future. That's why the Lord assured him, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield...."

Jesus said it simply: "Do not worry about tomorrow ... Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). Worry kills us. I'd probably worry less, also, if I treated my enemies more kindly.