[Beware of] Traps and Headaches

Memory Verse: "Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap." (Lk.21:34, NASB)

Scripture Reading: Lk.21:34-36, Phil.4:6

Jesus warned us that our lives could be impacted by things around us, and by our reaction to those things. Our hearts can be "weighted down" if we allow things in the world to dominate our lives. It is one thing to know what is happening, to observe and analyze; BUT we must avoid becoming weighed down.

Jesus specifically described the kinds of things that can weigh us down. According to our memory verse, this begins with "dissipation." The Greek word means a headache. This word also is used to describe feeling nauseous or drunk.

In modern usage, a "headache" is a euphemism for puzzling situations and challenges that stretch us to the limit. But we also need to realize that being weighed down by the world produces real physical, emotional, and mental reactions.

When this happens, just like drunkards, we can lose perspective and control. Jesus confirmed this relationship by specifically describing how we can become weighed down by "drunkenness and the worries of life."

Friends, these can act like traps that spring out of nowhere. Unexpectedly. When we are not prepared. This is why He warned us, and why we must heed this warning. We can be victims of these traps at any time. His disciples were guilty of this condition on the night Jesus was betrayed. As He prayed and sought the Father, "He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy" (Matt.26:43), using the same Greek word.

How [then] do we avoid being trapped by the inevitable headaches of life? First, we are to "be on guard" every moment of our lives. To "keep on the alert at all times." To be a people of prayer, "praying that you may have strength to escape all these things." Trusting Him. Be armed with His Word and of course, be filled with His Spirit.

Ponder Point: Worry is a sin: it is dependent on fear. Trust pleases God: it is anchored on faith.

Action Point: Stop worry. Start trusting.

Prayer: Father, I commit these matters into Your hands: (mention all your worries to Him). Thank You for taking away my burdens. Help me to trust in You in Jesus name, Amen.