The challenge of a new day. The thought of tomorrow. The worry builds. We are not helped by it, yet we still hold on to it. Why worry? The following is an expression of one of the inner struggles. The normal texts are my anxious thoughts. The bold & bold-italicize texts are my faith-filled thoughts supported by scriptures. I pray it makes sense and encourages you.
Why worry? Because I can. Because I want to. Because I have to. Have to? Oh really? "Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life ... ." Easy for Jesus to say. After all, He was God in the flesh. He had access to all the Father had. And we don't? To whom did Jesus speak those words? Are they not also for all of His followers? Are they? Yeah! Why is it easy to worry? Well, frankly, it seems that you treasure it. That is crazy, I don't! Your actions say, "Don't take that away from me too." Do you really believe that worry helps you? I know it does not, and I try not to worry. I do not like things to get the better of me. However, there are times when worrying seems necessary. Jesus said, "Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or wear."
I know that and I get it, food and clothes. So, can I worry about other things then? You know, e.g., a job, finances, relationships. I have food. I am clothed. But there are other things that I don't have. There are other things that I do have but not sufficiently. So, can I worry about them? Those things are legit. And God does not know that? You tell me, does He? I'll give you a moment to answer that question. I know He does. It just seems as if I am way down on His list. Sometimes, it can seem that way. But that's not the case. You are very valuable to Him. Anyway, what good is worrying about these things going to do for you? Jesus even asked that question, "Can you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life?"
No, I can't. So, what am I to do, these needs are still pressing? I am trying to fix them. I am trying to find solutions. I am trying to meet these needs. Nothing has been working just yet and the worry builds. Don't you think worrying about these things is an affront to God? No? Can you explain what you mean? Well, if you persist in worrying, which means you are choosing to worry, then do you really trust God? Hmm, I guess you are right. Now, I am not here to condemn you but to speak the truth and encourage you thereby. Know this, the same God who provided what you needed most - salvation - promised to provide for your needs. Like the apostle Paul asked, "Will He, who did not spare His Son but give Him up for us, not also provide all that we need (Romans 8:32)?" Of course! The truth is that He knows exactly what your real needs are. And, He knows exactly when and how to provide them.
Here is the prescription for worrying: Give your worries to God. Bring them to Him in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. See what He brings about in you (Philippians 4:6-7). So, instead of worrying, let your time and thoughts be consumed by seeking His kingdom and righteousness. Got it? Yes! Let's pray:
God of peace, We bring all our worries to You. We leave them at Your throne. We entrust them into Your care. Thanks for guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus with Your surpassing peace. Thanks for providing our real needs today and always. May our time and thoughts be filled with seeking first Your kingdom and righteousness. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen and thanks!
No comments:
Post a Comment