March Devotion
What? Me Worry?
Worry can seem like such a noble emotion. When we are in the middle of worrying about something, it can seem like the very best thing we could possibly be doing. After all, usually when we center our attention on a problem, we are able to solve it. We look at a situation, think about it, consider possibilities, decide if they have a high probability of succeeding, and then apply the chosen answer to our lives. Usually that formula works.
But when we have a problem or a concern which is genuinely out of our control, we apply the same formula…but with different results. Since there is no solution, we spend time endlessly going though the mental process over and over again. At some point, we just end up worrying.
Worrying can cause problems of its own. In fact, I think that it can lead to the destruction of the vessel in which it is housed. Or in other words, “Worry eats away at you.” Let’s face it: If you are worried about something, nothing else seems to matter. Worry can get so severe that you can’t seem to focus on anything else, not even on things you are supposed to do. Your work suffers, your relationships suffer, and the people around you, who depend on your kindness and your wit, are suddenly doing without. It’s tough on everyone.
Perhaps these are some of the reasons we should realize that worry really isn’t something we should be involved with. And, in fact, worry in and of itself, is just a sign of a lack of faith in God. (Ouch!) After all, it stands to reason that if God is sovereign (and He is) then He is totally in charge. If God is powerful (and He is) then He is totally capable of fixing any problem we might run up against. So, worry is basically a lack of faith. This doesn’t mean that we won’t be in stressful situations…we will be…it just means that when we find ourselves worrying that we have to evaluate why we are worried and see if we can replace it with faith in God.
In Matthew 6: 25-27 Jesus said: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Since God has given us life, which is phenomenal in itself, are we to actually question if He can provide us with food? And since God has made our bodies, which are very beautifully and intricately created, are we to imagine that He will refuse to provide us with clothing? Since God has already generously and graciously done these magnificent things for us, can’t we trust Him to be willing and able to do the easier and simpler things? Jesus says that we can trust God because He even takes care of the birds…and if He takes care of the birds, can’t we trust Him to take care of us…whom He considers “much more valuable” than birds?
Jesus continues in Matthew 6: 28-34: "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Here Jesus nails the problem on the head when He calls us “you of little faith.” If God clothes even the grass of the field beautifully, can’t we trust Him to be faithful and clothe us as well? After all, God considers people more important than flowers and grass. Believing that God will continue to be good and continue to care about us is where faith is put into practice.
I think the message we need to take home, is that GOD cares deeply about us! Perhaps that is the most amazing piece of this puzzle and the one that requires the most faith. Once we begin to realize how much God loves us, then believing He will continue to care for us becomes easier.
Jesus finishes His illustration with these words: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
It isn’t just about food and clothing; it is about everything we need. God is sovereign and powerful, and, most of all, He cares for us. So, worrying isn’t what we need to be doing, rather we need to be trusting in Him.
What? Me Worry? Undoubtedly so…after all I have done it before…but maybe next time I will realize it sooner and instead put my faith in God’s goodness and His care.
Wishing you a worry-free tomorrow! God bless you!
Sharon
Sharon Chatwell is a wife and mommy living in Lincoln, NE. She and her husband, Rick, are wading into that time of their lives between having children at home and having grandchildren who visit. They invite you to, "Come on in, the water’s fine!"
