IT is said that in the bible, the phrase “Do not worry” is mentioned more than 365 times. One for every day of the year! This means that God is serious about his message for us. He is serious and he wants to remind us not to worry and to just trust in Him.
Jesus is telling us that God takes care even of creatures other than human beings. He feeds the birds who do not “work” like we do. He dresses the flowers with such beauty that even us cannot match. God is telling us to relax and have faith in him. In the way that he takes care of these things, he too will take care of us who are more important than the birds and flowers. We are created in His own image and likeness, so he will really take care of us.
There are a lot of sayings about worrying:
It is like sitting on a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere…
It means you don’t trust God…
It does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength…
Come to think of it, all these things are true. We will worry if things are not in its proper perspective. We will worry if we put value on things of this world – money, fame, worldly success. The gospel takes off from the message yesterday of not making financial stability the goal in life (See reflection http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-is-important.html )
We are asked not to worry, and serving God will make this easier.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you…”
As we do away with worrying and trust in God, we should serve Him and seek his will in our lives. Instead of working for worldly things, we should work for God. As we do, he will reward us and take care of the things we need in this world. This is his promise. Let us claim it.
Am I a worrier? Why? What things am I usually bothered about? Are these things in my control or not? When God tells me 365 times, that’s once a day, to not worry, how do I react?
May we build our faith and trust in God. Let us not worry about things, but put our focus on Him, serve him, and trust that as we do so, he will give us the things we need in this world.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for your word today. Thank you for reminding me to not worry about earthly concerns. Thank you for your promise that as I serve you, as I put you first, you will take care of things. Lord, help me always focus on you and serve you, even if it is difficult, and especially when worry seems to creep inside of me. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Weekend!
In Christ,
-g-
PS
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