What me worry?
These days it is increasingly more difficult to keep one's mind free of worry. In fact, it seems the only source of solace from daily anxiety is found in the Words spoken by Jesus in Matthew chapter 6. His point is well punctuated by the question He asks in verse 27, "And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life?"
It is a daily lesson that each of us must put into practice in our lives…. Today, are we going to let the circumstances of the world or the promises of the Lord dictate our state of mind?
Allow me to give you some "for instances." My wonderful wife works at an upscale mall 5 days a week. Should I be worried about her safety? The world would say so. In fact, tragedies like those in Aurora Colorado and St. Cloud Minnesota are evidence that even upscale suburban shopping centers are not immune to horrible violence.
Also, my one and only son is in kindergarten. Should I spend each day on pins and needles until I see his smiling face burst out of the door as the school day ends? The brutality of Newtown Connecticut and Columbine show that every school can, sadly, fall under the shadow of tragedy.
Finally, I serve the Lord at an inner city Christian Church. Should I be worried about stay bullets from a gang battle or a planned attack from a fundamentalist follower of a false religion? I am certain there are many people who would say so.
I say these things not to shock or scare anyone. Instead I say them to reveal the fact that each and every one of us can fall into the trap that is worry. Let me repeat this- no one is immune. Even the closet disciples of Jesus Christ were prone to worry; and He knew it. In fact, He knows our worries, too. He also knows how consuming worry can be… How it keeps up us at night… How, if left alone, worry can begin to control us. That is why He spoke the Words we find in Matthew 6.
The best thing about God is that He never presents a problem without a solution. To the issue of disobedience and sin, He provides a Savior. The Bible is also packed with practical solutions for everyday living. As far as the issue of worry, Jesus not only provides Words of comfort but He provides a place of comfort. That place is heaven, where there is NO WORRY! Therefore, brothers and sisters, may we keep our minds and hearts on heaven. Just think- this life of uncertainty is but a whisper and a shadow compared to the eternity of certain peace Jesus has in store for everyone who believes on His Name.
There is an old hymn that sings these lyrics, "Why should I worry, doubt and fear? Has God not caused His Son to bear my sins upon the tree? ...So now I have full peace and rest, my Savior Christ hath done the best and set me wholly free" – Amen!
