Worry...

Take a look at this rickety old, leaning and bending 120+ year old bridge... How many of us would walk through it, much less drive across it...

It reminds me of what life looks like to many of us these days. Still standing, but...

Like many of you, I’ve had a lot on my heart and mind the past year or so

... as we continue to face uncertain times and an unknown future;
... as we watch disheartening political battles and commentary, and the economy do what it is doing; 
... as Amy and I continue to settle into a new community and face the prospect of a new role; 
... as her junior year has finished, and discussions about the future my youngest daughter longs to pursue is becoming more and more clear;
… as my middle daughter and her husband begin their careers and life together;
... as my oldest daughter and her husband prepare for the arrival of their third child;

Yet from somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I am reminded of 7 bite size morsels that break down Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34 about why we should not worry. 

So, I thought I would share them knowing there are others who may have similar concerns and worries as me (or far different ones):

6:25 - The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.

6:26 - Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.

6:27 - Worrying is more harmful than helpful

6:28-30 - God does not ignore those who depend on Him.

6:31,32 - Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.

6:33 - Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue.

6:34 - Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

Hope this helps. 

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field 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 wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” 
- Matthew 6:25-34 NLT