Interesting title right...?
It's linked to this quote that I heard, rather read, whilst I was still in high school. More of that in a bit... I have realised that I did not post anything up for the whole of 2013...and interesting thing is my next post, this post...well there is a sort of connection to my last post...but I won't dwell on all of that.
Here goes...first post of 2014, first since December 2013...
Quote..."Worrying is like a rocking chair, sure it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere." I have forgotten who actually said these words, kinda rhymes too...rocking chair...nowhere..get it?
Anyway, I was reminded of the quote this past weekend as I was preparing the lesson for my Sunday School kids. The scripture reference was Matthew 6:24-34, where we get the famous, seek ye first the kingdom of God, which is also our memory verse for the month. And to go off point a bit, the rendering of the verse in the Good News Bible is actually quite interesting, have a look at it and think on it.
During the lesson, I thought of asking the children, who's ages range from 3 to 12 but my concentration was on the 9 to 12 age group, what causes them to worry or what they worry about. I got some very interesting answers.
For those who are aware of the portion of scripture, Jesus was teaching on worry and telling His disciples that they need not worry about anything in life. It actually forms part of the Sermon on the Mount. His focus on the most basic needs of every human, food and clothes.
I asked the children if they ever worried about food and the answer was no, that is something for their parents to worry about. When asked about clothes, they gave the same answer, they had no reason to worry about clothes, they take it for granted that their parents will provide these things for them. It was that position of confidence and reliance on the ability of their parents to supply for such needs that really caught my attention.
I thought to myself, is this not how God wants me to view life? To have confidence in His ability to supply for all of my needs. To rely on Him to meet every need I have in life. He is my Father right? He has called me His son, adopted me into His house through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In that portion of scripture, Jesus makes mention of the flowers of the field and the birds of the air. God has made the clothed the flowers so beautifully that nothing man can put on can match it. He gives bread to the birds of the air that are not involved in any farming activity, the do not sow seed, they do not gather and put into barns, yet all year round they are supplied for. What more so you and me as human beings?
In fact, Jesus goes on to say, and this is the point of the quote above, who among you can add a day to his life by worrying? Or, for those who admire basketball players, who among you can add to his height by worrying? Basically, what benefit will worry bring to your life? What can you point to as a good, positive product for worrying? Of course we know of the negative effects such as stress which as doctors would say can be the cause for various diseases.
For the child of God, there is really no benefit in worrying. God wants you to rely and depend on Him fully. That is why Peter says cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7), Paul says do not be anxious for anything, but at all times and in all things, make your request known to God who will give you a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6,7). And again in Ephesians 3:20 Paul assures us that God will supply for ALL our needs according to His riches in glory.
What an encouragement. God is looking out for us His children. As a loving Father He will provide for all of our needs. But that portion gives us something to do.
"Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with ALL these other things." (Matthew 6:33 GNB)
What is it that He requires of you? What is the Kingdom of God? These are the things that you should be focusing on and He will cover you.
Today, I heard a very encouraging testimony. A dear friend is pursuing her studies but she did not have enough funds to cover all of her fees. She saved up some money over the years to cover her expenses, but this has come up short in some areas. Anyway, this year, she has decided to grow in the grace of giving and is learning on how she should manage her finances God's way. She has given away some of her money and possessions and as she was learning on finances, she became more and more confident that her Father had her covered. To make the story short, God has shown Himself to be reliable and trustworthy. He is proving His word to her and He has spoken to someone who will help with her school fees. What a wonderful God we serve...
So... do not worry, about anything, it is a most unproductive exercise... instead cast all your cares on a Father who loves you dearly and will meet all of your needs... He is more than able to do it...and He has already offered to do it, if you will give it to Him and trust Him.
Have a blessed and prosperous year....a worry free year
Grace and peace
