I
worry a lot. Sometimes it keeps me up at night. I worry about things
at church. I worry about my family. I worry about my health. I worry
about money. I don’t think I’m alone in worrying about
things. Most people I share my worries with say that they lose sleep
over similar things. I guess worrying is pretty normal.
But
then I read today’s verses, and I worry that I’m not living the
life of faith correctly. Ugh! I worry a lot even though Jesus tells
us not to worry! A vicious cycle of worry and guilt sets in. Should I
feel bad that I worry more than I should? More than Jesus wants me
to?
Maybe
Jesus told us not to worry because he knew we would. I love the
examples he gives to help us not worry. Look at how God takes care of
birds. Look at how beautiful he created flowers to be. Those things
are amazing, and God’s care for them is elaborate and extensive.
And yet God cares for us so much more than for birds and flowers. So
why worry?
I
don’t think I’ll stop waking up in the middle of the night from
worry anytime soon. But the next time I do that, I’m going to read
this passage and remember how much God cares for me. Then I’m going
to lie back and rest in the care of the one who has made and loves
and cares for me every second of every day. Can you do that too?