"No worries"

Scripture I'm Reflecting On:  Luke 12:25-26

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

No great explanation is needed here to explain this verse.  It's powerful though (at least to me) to read this phrase about worrying written so simply.  I mean, really, what does worrying actually accomplish?  The answer is nothing at all.  Naturally everyone worries about something from time to time.  Family members, friends, work, etc....I'm not sure that its realistic for us as fallen individuals to completely eliminate that.  But when we stop and think about most of the stuff we "worry" about, was it really worth it?

Reflection:

I am probably writing this post for myself than any reader, as I doubt many people worry more than I do, particularly about nonsense.  I admittedly have not even read Luke before, I just happened to see this verse on a sign somewhere today, and when I read it I knew that sign was meant for me.

Think of something you worry about the most, and think about how it affects your life.  For me, my worst flaw in this area is worrying about what other people think about me.  As much as I've made a conscious effort to stop, I just always fall back into the trap of wondering, "what is that person behind me in line thinking", "is that group of people over there laughing at me".  Sadly it doesn't end with strangers for me, which in reflection is why I probably have always had a low number of friends.  Its hard to be close to people if you are consistently worrying about what others think of you.  This line of thinking naturally leads to you imagining the worst of what they are thinking, and down the slope you go.  Do you ever wonder what people think about you?  What they think of your dress?  Whether they liked your speech?  Whether they think your smart?  Dumb?  Funny?  Annoying?

One of the biggest traps we fall into (or at least I do consistently) is using past experiences to justify our worries.  For instance, my one serious "relationship" ended in rather horrible fashion to say the least where I found out I had basically been lied to (and worse) over several years.  While I was able to get over the situation fairly well, I now tend to use this experience to justify "worrying" habits, such as to keep my guard up anytime I meet someone new, thinking (worrying) when I get close to someone "I'm just wont ever be good enough for this person" attitude..or worse, worrying someone will eventually do something to hurt you.  These are more serious and somewhat extreme examples, but the point could apply in any aspect of life.  We can find excuses to worry about everything, even very simple little things.  A test, an interview, a meeting, an event, how your hair looks, is this outfit cute.  The next time you find yourself worrying about something, consider using that time to devote to prayer.  I think it will make this "worrying" we do a whole lot easier.

A famous athlete (and Christian) once said of worrying... "It is something the enemy uses to draw us away from the purpose of life"  Believe me, from personal knowledge, I can tell you this is absolutely true.  As I am typing this it is disheartening to think of all the time wasted, all the relationships lost (past and present), and all the experiences I have missed out on due to something as simple as worrying.
The next time you have an idea you are passionate about, instead of worrying about what could go wrong, just go do it!  The next time you meet someone, instead of worrying about the bad things that they may be thinking or may do to you , just assume they enjoyed meeting you.  Next time your in a sporting event, instead of worrying about what will happen if you lose, just go out and have fun.

Final Thought:
Luke didn't include this quote from Jesus in his Gospel because he was just trying to fill space or liked the way Jesus sounded when he said it.  Luke 12:22-34 is completely devoted to this warning about worrying.  Clearly, Jesus (and consequently Luke) knows this is something we need to be aware of, concerned about, and consciously fight against.    Jesus doesn't appear to be asking us not to worry, but commanding us not too.  But fear not, because Jesus also promises to provide for us, and as long as we can embrace that, then really, worrying seems kind of silly.  We are blessed to have a providing and sustaining God, and if we just remember that the next time we get the "worry itch", I think we will be able to handle the given situation with a lot less stress and a lot more happiness.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being our provider and sustainer, even in the worst of times.  I pray for perspective and guidance on the problems in my life, and I pray for the strength to show my unconditional love and trust in Your plan for me.  I pray for all those that are worrying in the world to find comfort and peace in their hearts, and to see Your plan for them.