To the Ends of the Earth: Legacy – Catholic Men's Devotionals, Week 7 – Do Not Fret

Take delight in the LORD,

   and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;

   trust in him, and he will act.

He will bring forth your vindication as the light,

   and your right as the noonday.

Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him;

   do not fret over him who prospers in his way,

   over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!

   Do not fret; it tends only to evil.

For the wicked shall be cut off;

   but those who wait for the LORD shall possess the land.

Psalms 37:4–9

The world can seem like an overwhelming place. We try to live in peace with others and find meaning in what we do, but often it seems as though the enemy of our souls is winning the battle. As we seek to leave a legacy of faith, we are often confronted by fear and doubt. God, however, offers us another way. He sees the end from the beginning and has control over all things. He knows the plans he has for us, and they are hopeful and good (see Jer 29:11).

We may be tempted to give in to our fears and surrender the fight, but God calls us to put our trust in him, to respond to fear with faith and to the storms of life with strength. As we surrender to the will of our loving God, we are lifted above the troubles of this life and see our situation through the lens of God’s perfect plan. God’s will becomes clear and we take hold of our eternal inheritance. This heavenly vision shapes how we live and leave our meaningful mark upon the world.

This week we will focus on how we as men can take hold of the eternal gifts that are ours as we put worry in its proper place. We will replace fear with God’s truth and allow it to teach us how to live the life of a man of legacy as we consider these powerful truths:

1.         Taking on God’s eternal perspective frees us from worry.

While we have much in our lives that causes us to worry, this condition is temporary. Thanks to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we now possess an eternal legacy. We can lay down our worries at the foot of the cross and carry on in hope, writing the story of our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.

2.         Trust triumphs over doubt and fear.

Our security depends not on our own efforts, but on the loving care of our Savior. As we surrender to God’s care, we settle into the role God has set up for us. In faith, we offer our lives as a testimony of the salvation story of Christ.

3.         Our days should be filled with joy.

As we come to dwell in the shadow of God’s protection, we find an inexpressible joy that cannot be snuffed out by the struggles of life. Joy is the strength that provides purpose and guides the way we live our lives and leave our mark on the world.

4.         As we trust, we become shining stars.

With God’s light to support us, we become powerful witnesses to the world. In the midst of all their worries and struggles, others will be able to see in us the face of God, who loves us through our trials. Our lives become living examples of Christ’s love, perfect pictures of the grace that flows freely into the lives of all who come seeking the inheritance of heaven.

5.         Those who are protected cannot be provoked.

The world will try to push us into anger and retaliation, yet when we rely on God’s sovereign protection, we have the strength to respond with love and patience. We cast aside worry and replace it with trust because we are at rest in the embrace of our loving God. We become a portrait of grace that shines like a beacon leading those who come after us straight into the kingdom of God.

A Call to Action

Being a Catholic man means the world does not have to have its way in your life. As you move through this week, spend time resting in the arms of your almighty, loving Creator, laying your cares and worries before him. Work this week to fill your heart with joy and continue to trust the God who works all things out to the good for his chosen children (Rom 8:28). Seek out other men who can provide good counsel and support as you face your worries and concerns. Support your brothers with prayer and acts of love in their own worries as well.

Meditate on the kind of legacy you want to leave the Body of Christ. Let your faith guide your understanding of what it means to live in total trust, casting aside fear in favor of hope. Consider how your ultimate vision of heaven should shape the way you live. Think of ways you can express your legacy goals to others as you strive to make your mark on the world.

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE