Growing up in the country came with some serious advantages. In my youth the serenity was not something I recognized as worthy of cherishing, although now I would count it one of the biggest joys. I did however anxiously await the wild strawberries and blueberries that would spontaneously appear on our lawn each summer. There was no planting, weeding or watering, they just showed up waiting to be discovered. Rarely did they find their way into the house because the incomparable sweetness was an immediate temptation.
The carefree days of childhood were filled with adventure and excitement and an unwavering consistency in the stability provided by my parents. My needs were just met. If my shoes got too tight, or it was time for a meal, it was provided. My time and energy were not consumed with worry. That job belonged to my mother and father and they had things under control.
As adulthood and responsibility begin to crowd out the laughter and joy of childhood we can find worry sneaking in like an unwelcome intruder, attempting to take up permanent residence in our hearts and minds. This is much bigger than the unending “What am I going to make for dinner?” dilemma.
Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father is a gracious and faithful provider.
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field 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 wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:27-33
God has a spotless track record when it comes to providing for his children, and yet, as children of God we can be remiss to consider his constant care and concern for our lives.
My middle daughter, Kendyll, recently had a reminder of just how faithful God is. She had been praying and working at finding a solution to some very important and time sensitive things. It seemed nothing was changing and worry was trying to worm it’s way in. God had a plan but he wasn’t sharing it with her!
The answer came suddenly and so completely. The layers encased in the solution were far reaching and obviously bore the print of the hand of God. She laughed at her moments of concern, reassured that God knows her name and address. Her worry had been totally unnecessary and unhelpful.
The complexity and multifaceted nature of her answer renewed my trust that things that I am waiting for and praying about have the attention of God as well.
The timing is reminiscent of a long-distance runner carefully pacing their journey. It can be tempting to sprint out ahead of everyone, but more often than not, that doesn’t carry a runner to the finish line in good standing.
God’s timing is often not what I expect. Occasionally we can catch a glimpse of the multi-level game of chess he is orchestrating.
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Waiting is often clouded with worry. Unless we resist, our focus is turned directly on temporal provision rather than the eternal things of the Kingdom of God. That makes worry a rather powerful tool of the enemy that often sneaks beneath our spiritual radar.
You see, worry is often cloaked self-absorption. Most of our questions during worry-mode are anchored in our own cares and concerns. Self-protecting posture flies directly in the face of Christian living.
No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person. 1 Corinthians 10:24
When our focus is on our own wants and needs great harm, sometimes unintentional, (but unfortunately fully intentional at times) can be inflicted on anyone who seems to be standing in our way.
Worry also points to a lack of trust in our Father. Jesus purposefully describes the knowledge, care and provision that our Heavenly Father bestows on each of us. Jesus gives us not only permission, but direction to stop the self-inflicted torment, and relax.
I can fret about the path that lies ahead, thrashing around in the arms of my faithful life-guard, or like the light-hearted child, I can leave my needs in the hands of my Father.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Leave a comment