I was today years old when I realized this beloved old children’s song says “troubles of tomorrow” – not troubles of yesterday, or troubles of today, but unknown, uncertain, unfamiliar troubles, fears, and worries of tomorrow.
That’s why we love the promises in Romans 8:28 and Romans 8:38 that prove we don’t need to worry about the troubles of tomorrow. But I’m not so wild about the verses between.
Romans 8:28 NLT: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:35b NLT: Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?
Romans 8:38 NLT: And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
Even in times of trouble or calamity, we still don’t have to worry about the troubles of tomorrow. Consider these familiar verses that also encourage believers not to be afraid of the troubles of tomorrow:
Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” This verse reassures believers of God’s constant presence and support. It emphasizes that God is with them, will provide strength, and uphold them, suggesting that they need not fear future challenges.
Psalm 23:4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” This well-known psalm affirms that even in the most daunting circumstances, believers need not fear evil because of God’s presence and guidance.
Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus Christ advises against worrying about future troubles, suggesting that each day should be lived as it comes, with trust in God’s providence.
2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse suggests that fear does not come from God. Instead, believers are endowed with a spirit of power, love, and sound judgment, equipping them to face challenges without fear.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” These verses encourage believers to replace anxiety and fear with prayer and gratitude. The promise is that God’s peace, which is beyond human understanding, will protect their hearts and minds.
Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse is a direct command to be courageous and not fearful, with the reassurance that God will be present in every situation.
Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” If we shouldn’t fear anything or anyone, I guess this includes the troubles of tomorrow.
Digging deeper:
- Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It’s Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind by Louie Giglio – The Enemy is constantly seeking to fill your mind with destructive and harmful thoughts—whether of fear, worry, insecurity, anxiety, temptation, envy… It’s all too easy for Satan to manipulate his way into a seat at the table intended for only you and Jesus, and to try making himself at home in your mind. It’s an ongoing battle, but one you can win
- Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear by Max Lucado – Centered around the comforting, uplifting words of Psalm 23, Traveling Light will give you the encouragement and the tools you need to release the burdens of: Self-reliance, Arrogance, Hopelessness, Disappointment, and Shame. There are certain weights in life that we simply aren’t designed to carry, and Max reminds us that the Lord is asking you to set them down and trust him. He is the father at the baggage claim. When a dad sees his five-year-old son trying to drag the family trunk off the carousel, what does he say? The father will say to his son what God is saying to you.
- Encourage one another to take courage be strong – Jesus said, “take courage be strong” to be emboldened from within with unflinching courage
- Ministry of restoration (restoring a right relationship with God) – Has someone wandered from the truth and been trapped by wrongdoing? Are you ready to throw the first stone? Or be part of the ministry of restoration?
- For such a time as this – Such a time as this in every generation. God has prophesied it will get worse. He has revealed how to prepare. Are we ready?