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Who Taught You? 10-22-2010
“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?” (Matthew 6:26, NIV)
Better unplug that coffee maker – it may catch on fire! Why would I think that? A consumer magazine posted a recall of a certain brand that shorted out and caused some fires. This does happen. Products are sometimes faulty. However, just because one brand may have had issues does not mean they are all suspect.
Have another worry? How about when someone doesn’t arrive on time? What’s your first thought? “I hope something bad didn’t happen.” “Did they get lost?” “Hope she isn’t sick.” “Is everything okay?”
Who taught you to worry? I had a pretty good example when I was growing up. My Mom was a prolific worrier. Dad often got upset about that. In spite of that, I usually have a fairly positive outlook on things. I figure if the coffee maker catches on fire, I have insurance. I assume that if the person hasn’t arrived yet, they got a late start or stopped for coffee (especially if it’s Rick).
Pessimist ~ glass half empty? Optimist ~ glass half full? Which one are you? I suppose a psychologist could give us research stats about what influences us to become one or the other. It would most likely involve environment, experience, and genetic make-up.
There is a difference between being cautious and worrying about what may or may not happen. How can we find that delicate balance in our lives?
Let’s look at what Jesus taught: "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 store 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?” (Matthew 6: 25-27, NIV)
Jesus said, “Do not worry.” Is it an option? No. In fact, it’s stated quite clearly that we should not worry! It is a choice we have to make: “I will not worry.” I know – easier said than done! I have to make a conscious decision to allow God to work in my life, provide for me, and take care of my needs.
Jesus continues in the next few verses with additional instructions: "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6: 28-32, NIV)
How often we forget that our all-knowing God, who loves us more than we will ever comprehend, has our best interests at heart.
One song writer expressed God’s power this way:
Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
and Who told the ocean you can only come this far?
and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star? …
Nicole C. Mullen, Redeemer
If our almighty and powerful God has all of these things under control, don’t you think He can work things out if a coffee pot goes up in smoke? God is sovereign. He has it all under control! Trust Him!
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34 NIV)
~Nancy
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