WATCHWORD:
25 “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 than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 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? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[? […] 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34
“God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but spiritual power.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Meditation:
Do Not Worry!
“Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength.”
Clippings from My Notebook, Corrie ten Boom
Worry. We do, despite our Lord telling us “do not worry”, we just go right on worrying. Of course we know that some worry is not really worry, it’s just being cautious. Right? We look both ways, twice, before driving through an intersection. We use caution on stairs. Some of us check the ‘Use by date’ on foods, just to be safe. Is all that evidence of .worry? I rather think not.
In this age of viruses and flue, we take great care, get our shots, etc., all in the interest of keeping healthy. Is there a difference between worry, prudence, wisdom, and simply taking care? Of course. We, who are vulnerable due to age, lung and/or heart disease, or other infirmities, work to keep ourselves safe and avoid risk. That is smart.
We all know someone who simply ignores all suggested shot and other measures to stay healthy. That may suggest that pride is lurking somewhere in the scheme of things.
We know that pride has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began. Other vices may sometimes bring people together: you may find good fellowship, friendliness and a good laugh, gatherings in some watering hole or around a dinner table. That’s not pride, that is fellowship, a positive. Pride always means separation and enmity.
Wait! How did we get on to pride, and what does that have to do with worry?
Well, the root of all worry, fretting, anxiety lies in the belief that what happens is ultimately in our hands. Or we are responsible. Or we are in charge! If you think what happens is ultimately in your hands, that’s pride.
The proud person feels that only he or she has to make things happen. But the truth is, quoting Jesus, none of us can add an inch to our height or an hour to our life by worrying about it. What happens, finally, is in the hands of God.
Be honest, do you worry a lot, have bouts of anxiety? If we want to deal with our worries, the place to begin, is to deal with our pride. Humility frees us of worry.
There’s another word, humility. Think of it this way: Pride says, what happens is up to me and this only creates more anxiety, worry. Humility says, “Lord, everything that concerns me is in your hands.” This is the beginning of peace.
Remember, Corrie’s words, worry drains our strength.
When you worry, God says, “You’re my child. Why are you acting like an orphan?”
So, when Jesus tells us “Do not worry”, He’s saying, ‘trust Me’. Trust me with your life, your loved ones, everything, for I am worthy. Amen.
Soon to be Released:
Palmetto Publishing will soon complete its work in design and formatting of my book The Inn on Jericho Road. More than a good story, it illustrates how Jesus’ ministry and teachings are passed from one person to another, regardless of circumstances. You may be surprised and find features of this book of value in your future studies of scripture. Stan Escott
Prayer:
“Dear Father, I admit that I often forget that you are with me. I often forget what you’re like. Would you please forgive me for that? I need to get to know you better. I need to get to know your Word and your promises better. Help me to put you first in every area of my life. Help me to live one day at a time. Help me to not worry about tomorrow but instead focus on what you’re doing in my life right now. I want to trust in your promise to take care of every one of my needs — financial, relational, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional. Help me to trust you more and worry less. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
