"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A Heart That Does Not Worry

Luke 12:25-27 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."

Just a little while ago I dropped my son off at a local restaurant to catch a ride to work. The last time I did that, he was in a car accident. It was with a little fear and trepidation that I let him go. It has been almost two months since he has been able to work due to his injuries. It was one of those moments when I had to consciously say, "Lord, I trust you with the safety of my son."

I must admit that as soon as I got back home I made sure there were no phone messages. I have just puttering around, just in case I received that phone call again.... "Mom, I've been in an accident." I guess I haven't fully trusted when I have been hovering near the phone. But like Jesus said, worrying does not get us anywhere. It doesn't change anything or make any difference. So I guess if we can't change anything, we might as well just let go and trust that God knows what is best for us.

How about you? Do you have something that you are worrying about or causing you grief? Do you keep going over and over in your mind how you could possibly change things, but know there is nothing you can do? Are you willing to take that leap of faith with me? "Lord, I believe you can take care of my problem. I know I can trust you. Help me with my unbelief."

I think of the young Mary who was very much pregnant with Jesus when she chose to travel with Joseph to Bethlehem. It had to cross her mind, "What if I have the baby on the way. Will there be someone to help us if the baby is born when we get there." But yet she did not allow fear or worry to take hold of her. She chose to trust and believe that God was going to provide for their needs. Even when they arrived, she was in labor, and there were no rooms to be found. In the face of incredible opposition she still chose to believe that God knew what was best for her.

ACTIVITY
If you have something that you are worrying about, write it down on a piece of paper. As you do, consciously pray and ask God to take care of that situation. Then throw the paper away, knowing that it is in God's hands.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me to trust you and not to worry. Give me your peace. Amen.

1 comment:

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

My kids tease me all the time about being a "worry-wort"! ha I know that this is something I should not do...I should be trusting instead.

Good lesson today!

Marilyn