What Does Our Worrying Tell God?

Yesterday I talked about the quandary — the conflicting questions — faith creates in the human mind. This stepping out with nothing to hold on to. With no map to instruct our direction, as we attempt move into the unknown place of promise.  

This morning I offer Jesus’ advice on the subject: "So don't worry about tomorrow,...Today’s trouble is enough for today (see below).  

These words got me through many days, weeks and month as I traversed the hills and valleys of a divorce and seminary at the same time.  I found myself repeating Jesus’ words often in those days.  I still do from time to time.  It is a great reminder of God’s activity in our lives.

What we miss in this small part of Matthew 6 is the issues that leaded up to the invitation not to worry.  Where Jesus talks about all the things people spent time worrying about:  Practicing piety!  That is looking acceptable to others (my definition).  How they pray!  Do they pray to impress others?  Or do They pray to talk, and listen, to God?  Fasting is another issue.  This has to do with how graciously, or ungraciously, they lived out our call to follow Jesus by denying themselves to serve others. Jesus use the term “fasting” where I use “serving”.  And he then hops right into how needless revenge is to human nature.  Followed by a huge concern: their treasure/their money.  Most of the above mentioned could, and did, cause worry and consternation for any one. So, in the middle of his teachings he offers this wonderful bit of advise:  Don’t Worry!!

Easy for Jesus to say!

Except for the part on fasting, Jesus hits on many of the same issues that people today spend a lot of time worrying about.  Most especially when it comes to saving and spending money!  

I wonder if the cause of this attempted to strangle — the basic Greek meaning of the word worry — ourselves doesn’t come from our inability to perceive God as capable of handling such human issues? That is what worry tells God!  When we worry we are actually saying that we don’t trust God to help.  WOW!!  I don’t know about you!  But that thought causes me to sweat a bit. 

How often have we heard someone tell us not to worry?   I have said that to people more than once. So, I wonder what it would take for us not to worry?  And, I wonder why it is that we find it easier to worry than to trust?  God tells us that in our praying in his name -- that is, in trusting in his presence and offering and asking him for help, advice, comfort, adjustment -- or whatever!  That he will answer.  What is it that keeps us from believing -- accepting as truth -- God’s promise?

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 

Of course not.

Of course!  We all will admit that worrying does no good!  And yet, we continue to do it.

Interesting!!!!!

25 "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life -- whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not." 28 "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!" 31 "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." 34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matt. 6:25-34 New Living Translation)