“Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” Matthew 15:22b ESV
“People who haven’t worried in years are worried, and it’s not about regular things, it’s about big and essential things. It’s a whole other order of anxiety.” Peggy Noonan in her Wall Street Journal column on August 6, 2020
Many people are unusually anxious about what’s going on in our country and our world. They’re worried about catching COVID or about the impact of the economic consequences resulting from the pandemic. People on both sides of the political divide are concerned about the level of social discontent in our country and the increasing polarization. It certainly appears there’s lots to worry about.
It’s almost enough to drive any sane person to “escape” to a coastal resort for a break from the action for a little peace and quiet.
Even Jesus felt this kind of pressure. This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be continuing our series “Have a Little Faith” by looking at an incident that occurred when Jesus took time to recuperate from the stresses of His ministry. He went to a predominately Gentile territory just north of Israel where the people were Israel’s historic enemies.
While there, Jesus was confronted with a Gentile mother whose daughter was being “severely oppressed by a demon.” Modern psychology would probably have diagnosed her daughter with a number of personality disorders, and today’s physicians might have come up with a variety of physical ailments to explain her condition. In any case, her mother was rightly concerned about her health and safety.
So, she came to Jesus. And she wouldn’t give up. She pestered Jesus so much His disciples pleaded with Him to “send her away.” But, in the end, Jesus paid her one of His highest (and rarest) compliments. And her daughter was healed.
If you’re really worried about a loved one, concerned about your job, or angry at our politicians, come to Jesus with your concerns this weekend at Trinity Downtown. As a follower of Jesus, come find out how you can convert your worries into prayers; how you and your family can come to Jesus and rest. No need to go to a coastal resort!
You can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 8:15 am by clicking here. You may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here. During this worrying time, come be encouraged. Come feel the warmth and joy of His Holy Spirit and hear songs that will bring peace to your heart. Come ready to digest His words of truth and be filled with the surprising love of Jesus so you can share that love and peace with everyone!
You’ll recall that our adult Bible studies and all Sunday School activities will remain online through at least September 6th. Click here to see the details and how you can participate online.
Don’t forget that we now offer TWO weekly opportunities to participate in “drive-up” Communion. On Wednesday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, you can stay safely in your car while participating in an Order of Confession & Absolution, Communion and Prayer hosted by one of our pastors. If you wish to participate in either of these worship opportunities, please reserve your preferred time slot by calling Stefanie at 713.224.0684. She’s available to take your call from 8:30am – 2:30 pm each weekday.
During this time when each of us faces challenges we would not have expected six months ago, God has given us the opportunity to hear His Word and demonstrate His love to our family and neighbors. Instead of worrying, let’s cast our cares and worries on the strong shoulders of Jesus.