In case you didn’t know…
I have a favorite scripture.
Well, chapter, actually. Matthew 6 in the Christian Bible is my go-to Christianity 101 resource. For me, it’s a powerhouse of truth bombs, trust bombs and just down right honest tidbits about what it’s like to truly live as a Christ follower.
I love it. (If you haven’t figured that out.) In fact, I love it so much that I’ve written a devotional book entirely dedicated to this chapter. (But, I’ll bug you about that in another post!)
One scripture in Matthew 6 is truly sticking out to me right now;
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:34 NRSV
And, I was reminded of it again when I saw this rose today. Every morning when I wake, I pull back the drapes in my bedroom to offer in the sun and get a sneak peak on the day.
And, today I saw this.
A beautiful rose in October. Now, mind you, I know nothing about roses besides they like coffee.
Or, is it tea?
And, I certainly don’t know what their growing season is like.
But, he’s here (Or, she.), living it’s best life in my front yard.
And, I’ve been too busy to notice.
Too busy with doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions. Too busy with work, writing, and running errands.
Too busy to “stop and smell the roses.”
Why?
Because I’m too busy worrying.
About everything.
And, God doesn’t want me to.
In today’s focus scripture, Jesus tells us not a command, but a few simply stated facts. Today has enough troubles of it’s own, so why worry about tomorrow?
One thing about this scripture does bother me, to be honest. Does this mean I need to worry my little heart out about today?
It can’t mean that right?
No, it doesn’t.
In fact, Jesus gives us several lessons on why worrying isn’t worth it. And, I want to share them with you here.
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?
Matthew 6:27 NRSV
Another version words it a little differently:
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Matthew 6:27 KJV
So, if worrying doesn’t add an hour to your life, and it doesn’t add “a cubit to your stature,” what’s the point? Right?
I know. I know. But, worrying is so easy. When I tell others about situations that are going on or I am headed to the doctor, it seems commonplace to worry. And, accepted. In fact, it seems that if I don’t worry, it freaks people out and they start saying things to make me worry!
But, God wants something different for us.
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
Matthew 6:31-32 NIV
He knows. He knows everything, Everything I need before even I know I need it. In fact, He knew all my wants and needs before I was even born.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139: 16 NIV
God knew everything I would be or need long before I was born. Or, as my mother likes to say, “A twinkle in your mama’s eye.” You are uniquely and wonderfully made. And, God knows everything about you. He knows my and your every need. He also knew we were predisposed to worry, so He gave us these powerful truth bombs so we could know how to navigate these rose bushes of existence — His way of helping us avoid the thorns.
Today, I will trust Him. I will give my worries to Him because His Word says I don’t have to worry about worrying.
And, I’m going to go and smell some roses.
Question: When was it hard for you to have trust in God because other’s made you feel you had to worry? Let me know in the comments below! And, if you don’t want to give details, just share “Been there.” so I know I’m not in this alone.
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