This Worry is Not For Us

Readings: I Kings 17:8-16, Galatians 5:25-6:10, Matthew 6:24-34


Worry. It's epidemic. 


Since I've gotten involved in the study of reflexology, I've read article after article of studies done on the stress that comes from worry. We tend to worry about anything and everything. The Bible speaks to this: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" (Matthew 6:31) Sound familiar?


When we think about it from a spiritual point of view, it seems pretty minor--yet how many billions of dollars each year are spent on having just the right look? How many arguments will there be this next week over what kids should or will want to wear to school? 


This worry is not for us. We're told instead to "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these (other) things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). 


The drought this summer has brought with it another pile of worries. Are we told that things are always going to work our way? No indeed. Instead, we are told to "let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). This verse in particular reminds me of the farmers who dedicate so much to their craft. Not giving up is the bottom line in farming. Crops have been replanted after devastating weather. They pick up the pieces and keep doing good. "Therefore, as we have opportunity let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10). We know that farmers are people of faith and believers...how can they be otherwise? In our own way, we can "farm" our faith as well in our day to day lives. And we all know, if we're busy farming, we don't have time to worry.


In I Kings we read the story of Elijah going to the widow's home and asking her for food. She replied that she was gathering fire wood to fix the last of the food in the home for her and her son and then they would perish. And Elijah? He told her not to worry, and there would be enough food...and there was. 


"So therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).


This worry is not for us.


Peace be with you.