Don’t worry, God still runs ‘Your World’

BY MILTON B ALLEN WITH BEN HARRELL

Jonathan McReynolds’ new song points us to our Heavenly Father

Jonathan McReynolds speaks life into any situation through his new song, ‘Your World’. His music continues to defy worry, doubt and fear by emphasising the importance of trusting God. Jonathan wants us to shift the focus from what we can’t control to the One who controls everything. ‘Your World’ gives listeners a melody we can dance to, letting our problems know they will never be bigger than our Father. After all, God still runs your world so all you must do is trust Him.

‘A lily and a bird’

‘The lilies ain’t worried ’bout it, And the birds ain’t chirpin’ ’bout it.’

Jonathan paints a picture for us that originates from Matthew 6:25, 26 and 28: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?... So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.”

This word emphasises the importance of not living in a state of worry. Jonathan captures this moment from the very beginning of his song. As an added measure, Jonathan takes us back down memory lane by reminding usof all that God has done for us. ‘And You’ve done more for me, Than You’ve done for the trees, So, why would I even doubt it?’

‘Your World’

Jonathan quickly points out that this world is His, meaning that God is in control. Doubt may try to creep up on us, but His plan was already in place before we realised we had a

problem. Jonathan invites us to embrace the facts; walk by faith; pray to our Father and watch Him work.

‘This is Your world, I’m just living in it, I’m just walking through it, Knowing that You’re with me, This is Your world, I’m just living in it,

I’m just praying through it.’ With all God’s creations and mighty works, Jonathan wants you to remember that He loves you. ‘The world hasn’t stopped turning, And the sun hasn’t stopped burning, You make the universe expand, Just because You can, But I know You’re more concerned about me.’

‘Our plans’

Fear will sometimes move us into panic mode, and we either make plans to mitigate or simply make plans to premeditate a desired result. Jonathan encourages us to seek the Kingdom of God. ‘Hold up every single one of my own plans, See, I’d rather have Your heart, So I’ll put ’em in Your hands.’ Jonathan reassures us the world is in God’s hands and He is with you. And since God is with us, we do not need to fear the outcome. ‘Worry can’t add another minute to my life, Before I started You charted out the finish line. Jonathan McReynolds’ new song, ‘Your World’, has a clear message: when life gets you down, take a moment to look up. “I just believe He’ll take care of the rest. Just trust Him.”

As the cost of living soars across the UK, God is calling on the Church to respond

Join us this CAP Sunday on a journey from lament to hope, enabling your congregation to reflect on and respond to UK poverty

Host a free and adaptable CAP Sunday service, complete with moving storytelling, an inspiring Bible-based talk and much more.

Pass this advert to your church leader or find out more at capuk.org/capsunday22

MANAGING THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Living shouldn’t cost everything, but for millions it does. Many are falling into debt because their money simply isn’t stretching far enough to cover their basic needs.

As the cost of living crisis worsens, debt help charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is seeing a rise in the number and prevalence of people seeking support. People are being forced to go without essentials – 47% of CAP clients have said that debt meant they sacrificed meals, 45% went without heating, and 24% couldn’t afford to light their home.

CAP has also identified increases in people feeling isolated, depressed, anxious and even suicidal because of debt and money worries. 36% of CAP clients said they had attempted or considered suicide as a way out of debt before seeking help.

Beyond the statistics, on a daily basis CAP works with individuals and families who are trapped in the cage of debt and poverty, who feel there is no way out. These are people like Sharon, a single mum who, after years of domestic abuse, found herself in serious debt and was struggling to provide for herself and her kids. She said,

‘I didn’t have any money. There was also debt from my mother’s funeral’. ‘Health problems created a lot of stress for me. I was having a nervous breakdown, I was under a lot of pressure, and in a lot of debt. I was getting loads of calls, loads of bailiffs. I wasn’t eating. I wouldn’t open the curtains, I always lived in the dark. I was all on my own, I thought that there was no hope.’

As Christians, we know there is always hope. Even during the storm of debt and poverty, there is help available.

HOPE

Congregations across the UK have been taking action by running food banks, soup kitchens and loads more initiatives for those struggling to stay afloat, bringing hope amidst the storm of debt and poverty.

Through a suggestion by Sharon’s counsellor, she contacted Christians Against Poverty for help.

‘Since I called CAP, my life has been going up and up. I had an appointment with Katherine and Carol [local CAP Debt Centre team members]. I cast all my paperwork on them – I had three big shopping bags full. Katherine took it all away. After, I had no letters, there were no more calls. Through CAP, I’ve now become debt free.’

BELONGING

Beyond the practical support that they’re providing, churches are in a position to welcome people into a community. CAP supports hundreds of local churches to run money management courses, job clubs and a free, face-to-face, friendly debt help service. This holistic support not only addresses people’s immediate needs, but it also gives people a sense of belonging.

Sharon joined her local church while receiving help.

‘They invited me to church and as soon as I walked in, I thought, “This is where I belong”. I wasn’t a Christian before, but I’ve now been baptised. Walking through those church doors and meeting so many lovely people was amazing. Working with CAP has turned my life around.’

‘I’ve now become a CAP Befriender. I help out at the drop-in on a Tuesday – which I thought I would never do! Once every three weeks I do a talk at the drop-in, telling people how God has changed my life. I feel so happy and alive!’

ACTION

The cost of living crisis is expected to hit people hard this winter, with energy bills set to rise again in October. If you are in debt, it’s best to seek help before things potentially become even more difficult. CAP also offers an opportunity for people to pray for those who are struggling. On Sunday 16 October, churches across the country will host a free CAP Sunday service. This will be a time to hear from Syd, another CAP client who, like Sharon, has been able to journey from debt to a place of hope, and reflect and listen to God as he calls us to take positive action. CAP is welcoming any church to get involved. All the free resources that you need can be found on their website alongside information on how to book a free guest speaker for your service.

For more information on CAP’s free debt help and other free services visit capuk.org.

To find out more about how your church can host a CAP Sunday service

visitcapuk.org/capsunday.

If you’re struggling with the cost of living, moneyhelper.org.uk is a great place to discover free, non-judgemental support and advice that’s available.