I was born a worrywart. Growing up, my siblings would tease me incessantly. Over the years I’ve gotten much better and don’t sweat the small stuff, but my wife would readily admit that I still tend to over-think things (a euphemism for worrywart, which I prefer). I tend to think things out to the second or third ripple. Now my wife would also admit that this “over-thinking” saved our bacon more than a few times. One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Count your blessings” from the movie “White Christmas.” Whimsical perhaps, but the sentiment is in the right place. Remembering how God has blessed us in the past, reminds us that he is faithful and continues to bless us.
In this passage, Jesus’ words resonate at so many levels. He is telling his followers that worry is fruitless. “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life…” That’s about as all encompassing as it comes. From food and shelter to the clothes we wear, Jesus reminds them that if God provides for the least of these, how much more will he provide us. “Oh, you of little faith.” Worry is both a verb and a noun. Worry is something we give into, but it is also a state of mind. So how do we deal with worry, since it is a part of everyone’s psyche, and to varying degrees, everyone’s personality? Certainly, at the top of the list is to pray. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Prayer is the best antidote for worry (among so many other things). That is what makes our relationship with God so unique. The God of the universe calls us to bring everything to him. And incredibly, he answers. Not only does he answer, but answers in a way that is truly best for us.
In this passage, Jesus’ words resonate at so many levels. He is telling his followers that worry is fruitless. “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life…” That’s about as all encompassing as it comes. From food and shelter to the clothes we wear, Jesus reminds them that if God provides for the least of these, how much more will he provide us. “Oh, you of little faith.” Worry is both a verb and a noun. Worry is something we give into, but it is also a state of mind. So how do we deal with worry, since it is a part of everyone’s psyche, and to varying degrees, everyone’s personality? Certainly, at the top of the list is to pray. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Prayer is the best antidote for worry (among so many other things). That is what makes our relationship with God so unique. The God of the universe calls us to bring everything to him. And incredibly, he answers. Not only does he answer, but answers in a way that is truly best for us.