Early in my elementary school experience I was learning something. It might not have been something the education system intended for me to learn, but I was learning something. I was learning how to worry.
Duck and cover! Does any one else remember those duck-and-cover drills? Does any one else remember the air-raid sirens and the fallout shelters?
I was at a time in my life when the only thing I should have been worried about was: “Which is faster, Red Ball Jets or PF Flyers?” Yet I was worried about being blown up at any minute.
We humans, who are unique in the animal world in that we remember the past and look to the future and make decisions for today, seem to always be worried about something.
They are important things in our lives, these worrisome things. We are concerned over natural disasters, earthquakes, tsunamis, the deep hurt of the death of loved ones and loss of property. We are concerned over financial security, jobs, relationships, family, nuclear fallout, the condition of the planet, and many other serious matters.
Recorded in Luke 12, Jesus says (loosely paraphrased), “Don’t worry about everyday life, what you will eat or what you will wear. Your heavenly Father knows all of your needs. But strive for the reign of God above all else and God will give you everything you need.”
What? Don’t worry? But Jesus, I’m about to be blown into smithereens (in all the many ways our lives seems to breaking apart). How can you say, “Don’t worry”?
And Jesus says, “God’s got you covered. God’s got your back. Don’t worry. Trust in God. Make that your first priority and you will find that God is providing all that you need.”
Jesus is in the promise business. Did you know that? Jesus makes a promise to us: Embrace the many ways that the reign of God is breaking in all around you and God will provide what you need to live. And not only that, God takes great delight in giving you God’s own kingdom. Wow!
Is it that simple? I don’t know. Maybe we could honestly, earnestly find ways to see God’s reign around us and make that our first priority. And then we could see if Jesus is right. I suspect he is.
Thoughts?
This is easier said than done. Our human nature makes it impossible for us not to worry. We can trust in God but the worry never goes away.--Carlene
ReplyDeleteRight on! Our human brokenness causes us to turn in on ourselves, focusing on the trinity of me, myself, and I. This makes it difficult to truly trust in God and God's promises. Yet there is an excitement about discovering how the reign of God is breaking in all around us And if we focus on that, it's amazing how much worry goes away. Blessings! -- Doug
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