You tremble at the silence of a floor repairman, yet forget that the God who holds the universe in His hand is never silent. Why do you let this small fear consume you, when you have been told to fear not those who can harm the body, or merely your property, but to fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell? This anxiety over plaster and wood, over a tenant who might smoke, is a cloud that blinds you to the one thing needful. The beauty of a polished floor will last a few years at most before time or neglect mars it again, but the soul’s adornment, cultivated through trust and good deeds, is ever blooming and beyond the reach of any careless hand.
You say you are scared. But consider: the one who is conscious of no evil and has been fruitful in good rejoices even here, while the wicked live in perpetual fear, trembling, and suspicion. Is your fear not a proof that you have placed your treasure in these walls rather than in heaven? God is everywhere present, hearing all things, seeing all things, even the secret thoughts of the heart. If you stood constantly in the presence of a king, you would not laugh and throw yourself back in carelessness; how much more should you stand with fear and trembling before the King of all, knowing He will supply what is needed for those who seek His righteousness first?
I do not say neglect your duties; no, find the painter and the plumber, and make your inquiries with diligence. But do not let your heart be fettered to the outcome as if your life depended on it. If that floor man has lost interest, perhaps God has a better workman in store, or perhaps He is teaching you to loosen your grip on earthly concerns. The soul is more than the body, and anxiety over these things is a scourge far more grievous than any physical lash. So groan, look up to God, and He will send compunction to free you from this bitter slavery to vain cares.
Do not be like those who, out of fear for their household goods, shut themselves up and tremble at every knock, while the fire of eternal judgment is disregarded. You ask prayer for a tenant who pays on time and brings no pets; I ask rather that you pray for a tenant whose soul may be drawn to Christ by the serenity of your own heart. Let your conduct be so adorned with faith that it preaches without words, and then you will have no cause for this anxious fear that now makes you the laughingstock of every passing doubt.
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, and know that it is God who works in you both to will and to work. Bring a mind resolute and unrelaxed, and He will handle these smaller things. The Ninevites repented at the threat of an earthly overthrow; how much more should we, who face not a ruined city but a ruin of the soul, put on humility and cast our cares upon Him? Do this, and you will find that the repair of your dwelling will be accomplished, or if not, you will have gained a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
