“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
The Bible tells us to be anxious for nothing. Most of us have had moments where we might have read that verse and thought, “yeah, right.” As we learn and grow and see God’s hand in our lives, His rescue and provision, we understand that though our initial reaction might be to stress, worry, or panic, our unfailing resource is our Creator, who never lets us down.
We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust them. Whatever hardships or pain we face, it is no surprise to God. He has already made a way. The way… (and the Truth and the Life) – Jesus. And when He took Jesus up in the resurrection, He gave His Holy Spirit to live among us and in us. We are set!
Yes, we will still have trouble in this world, but take heart! Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33)
If we look at the goings-on around us, instead of focusing on the Kingdom, we will seek answers from the world that is of no benefit to the Kingdom or us.
When I hear news of terrible things going on in the world, or I disagree with the leaders of our country, I could panic listening to the noise of the world, or… I could ask myself, “What does God’s Word say?” and then get in His Word. The Bible is our life manual. We may live in different times and think the Bible doesn’t give us answers for today, but that isn’t true.
The Bible is filled with generations of learned lessons and consequences, of wisdom, grace, comfort, healing, and love. When we are in His Word, we hear His voice more clearly, know His ways, and trust Him unequivocally.
Once we surround ourselves with His truths, we know we can go to Him first and that it is ENOUGH. Done. We may not see answers immediately, but we can trust His plan and purpose and that He is already at work! Working it to the good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Since we know these things – why do we worry? If we say we trust Him from our mouth but not our response, we will not have that peace that surpasses all understanding. The that peace says, “I gave it to the Lord, and I am leaving it there.” “My Father knows, and He has a plan.” “He will guide me through this.”
I don’t have to know “why” something is happening. God will reveal to me what I need to know to make any changes I can, but for the things that don’t seem to have any rhyme or reason, I am okay with NOT knowing why because I know that God does know. His plan is ten-fold. Who am I to question the Creator of my heart – of my life, and what He decides to do with my life? This is seeking the Kingdom.
I don’t need to worry about what others think or what will happen beyond my control. If I take God at His Word, I will not fear. We are human, and though our initial reaction might be to worry, we will feel peace the sooner we go to God with our concerns. If we choose to tell others, fret about it, or search for a way out – we only bring more turmoil and won’t have peace.
When we ask ourselves, “How does this benefit the Kingdom?” we learn to let go of worries that aren’t ours. Be kingdom-minded, be absolute in your faith. Don’t worry… be happy. Or, as my sons’ favorite song (when they were little) goes, “I’ve got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy down in my heart!”