can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:27
It's going to happen—you know it
will. In fact you've already gone down the road and seen the end result and
even how your life will be tragically different once it all happens. You
picture your affected life and begin to react with excessive worry and all the
next what if? questions that come along with this tragedy.
It's done, it's settled. This is the life you will end up living.
The only problem here?
Nothing has actually happened yet.
It's not a secret that worrying affects us in just about every aspect of our beings. Health-wise, there are more than enough studies to show the affects of worry on us emotionally, physically and mentally. And I can't help but think that God wanted to protect us spiritually as well from the demise of worry by helping us not to.
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 stow 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? ... Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. -Jesus ( Matthew 6:26-34)
We have a
unique perspective as believers because we have an ultimate hope and faith in
Jesus' promises. Many times, we have to step out in faith and trust that God
will provide for the next steps. Many times, we don't have answers that would
make our situations much easier.
But by worrying about the sustenance of our bodies, our families, and ultimately every detail of our lives, we sit in the never-ending trap of what if? before anything has even happened. We allow stress to overwhelm our entire being, but as scripture says, none of us can add any time to our lives by worrying. In fact, we paralyze ourselves and minimize our ability to live.
I have to admit that I can be one such individual. Sometimes it takes a lot of reading and convincing to remind me (yet again) that the Lord cares for me, and he cares about my concerns. There is nothing too great for him to handle—including my own doubts.
Every time I invite God into my worry, I experience some kind of new life, or new revelation. Even though I don't always receive answers, I learn more about the character of God and am encouraged by his promises that provide greater perspective.
I don't doubt that he will do the same for you.
As we live in a worshipful community together, let's remember to carry one another burdens, to be each other's neighbors, and to encourage one another continually in the ultimate promises of our great Lord.
Jamie
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