Worry, Worry, Worry

Why worry? Oh boy, let me just tell you! You have to have money, clothes, a place to live. You have to be able to pay the bills, pay for gas, and keep the creditors at bay. What if you get sick or your children. Hospital stays are expensive. What if catastrophe comes. Weather, earth, or water to destroy all you own. What about war, robbery, and plague!

Well, the list can get quite long. It is quite natural to think of these things. People all over the world do. The consequences are costly. Counseling, medication, health, even death are all a result of the pressure we put on ourselves worrying about tomorrow or what might happen.

Don’t think you are alone in this. There are many struggling with this. I find it interesting that some people do not seem to worry at all. Maybe they know where the worry switch is and just turn it off. Probably not, I suspect they are either very oblivious OR they have discovered something the rest of us still have not.

Jesus tried to teach his disciples not to worry. He told them “a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” in Luke 12:21. This is his concluding statement to the parable of the rich man who lost everything because of his greed. Jesus followed this parable with these words of encouragement.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:22-34

Just a few points to remember…

• Life is more than food, the body more than clothes, God considers us valuable.
• Worry adds nothing to our lives.
• God cares about us and knows what our needs are.
• What things you worry about are your treasures and where our heart is.
• Worry is a test of faith?

Okay, I know you are dying to know the secret some people have discovered. It is really no secret at all. You already know it the question is, do you believe it. God loves you more than you can ever know or understand. While we are tested here in the wilderness of life, he asks only that we remain faithful. Trust Him and hold to his hand.

God bless. Hang on.