I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I am memorizing scripture in 2016. I am only on week 4 (4 verses) and it has proven to be so useful. I can't tell you how many times I have quoted this one to my kids, "Everything that is hidden will be revealed and everything that is concealed will be made known and brought out into the open." Message to my kids: come clean sooner rather than later because Momma always finds out.
But I digress. The third verse I memorized was Luke 12:25, "Who of you by worrying can add even a single hour to his life?" This is deep for me. I am a chronic worrier. I have been processing this the last couple of weeks and have some thoughts and questions about this verse. I would love to know your thoughts on this as well.
At it's very simplest meaning, this verse is easy to understand. Do not worry. Period. I get that. And I'm trying really hard not to worry. But doesn't worry also drive us into action? For example, if I am worried about my child who is sick (let's say really sick not regular sick) doesn't that worry prompt me into motion? Wouldn't I seek specialists out and get second and third opinions until someone can cure my child?
Another example to which we can almost all relate: worrying about money. I have a friend whose husband was out of work for well over a year. She was a stay at home mom and she told me that rationally she felt like she should go out and get a job to help provide for their family, but she felt like God had told her to trust Him and that she was not to do that. And although I don't know the details of their finances, from all outward appearances that worked out just fine for her and she was obedient. And I stand in awe of her obedience, by the way! I tend to take matters into my own hands.
Let's say your finances were tight for one reason or another (whether it be job loss or illness or some other unexpected reason). Doesn't worry prompt you to spend more frugally? Or maybe to look for extra work? I mean, not worrying doesn't also give you a license for life to go on as usual and spend away, right?
As a chronic worrier, I am asking God to show me where that line is of being carefree, perhaps, irresponsible, and being untrusting to God. There have been a few instances creep up over the last couple of weeks that normally send me into worry mode and I have found myself quoting that scripture on the inside over and over and over again. (Very minor things so don't worry about me-there's that word again!)
Lord, help me not to worry, to trust You, and to look to You for guidance in any plan of action I develop.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
3 comments:
I'm a worrier myself, so maybe I shouldn't comment. But I think there is a difference between worry and concern. It is concern that should motivate us to action. I see worry as just chewing on the same bone over and over. it doesn't do any good and it surely is a lack of trust in God. Preaching to myself.
Oh, that's good. And why do I think it is productive to chew on a bone over and over again????
Needed that soooooo much. Always been a worrier and it has doubled now.
Post a Comment