Today’s Jewel:
Trusting God
Treasure Map Coordinates:
Matthew 6:25~34
It was two o’clock in the morning. Butterflies were circling in my gut. I honestly could not remember the last time I felt such anxious flutters.
Worries and fears prevented me from sleeping. I was nervous about meeting our daughter later that afternoon. We had some less-than-desirable news to deliver. I was anxious about her possible reaction. Still a teenager, and still learning how to control her emotions, I was worried she would explode. Fearful she would tear up our hotel room. Scared our rental car would be scarred by her anger.
Wide awake, I slipped out of bed. I grabbed my furry friend, Lilly, and headed to my place of prayer. It is nothing more than a recliner in the corner of my library, but it has become a sacred place for me. It is where I open God’s word and talk with my Savior <almost> daily. I knew this was the place my mind and heart needed in those darkened hours of the morning.
I knelt on the floor in front of my worn recliner, Lilly purring at my heels. As I began pouring out my heart in prayer, the tears flowed easily. I expressed to God the worries and fears facing me that day.
On my knees, God reminded me of his words recorded in Matthew 6:27:
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
I was struck by the timeliness of his word, fully aware that worry was subtracting meaningful sleep from my weary body.
In prayer, I admitted that I was, in fact, worrying over something that may or may not happen. Yes, my daughter could overreact. On the other hand, maybe she wouldn’t. Why let a future event—filled with unknowns—steal my sleep, tie my stomach in knots and cause a raging headache?
In that moment, I chose trust. I chose to rest in God’s perfect abilities and knowledge. After spending a few moments praising God for his faithfulness and power, I quietly returned to bed and slept. Rather well.
Over the course of the next few days, I continued to mull over this passage in Matthew. Like red flags waving in the wind, I could not ignore two glaring observations. First, I noticed the repetition of the command, “Do not worry.” Within a matter of minutes, Jesus uttered these words three times.
Second, Jesus did not simply suggest worry was bad for my health and should be avoided like excessive sugar. “Do not worry” is a command, not a recommendation. The realization was heavy: Every time I worry I am living in disobedience to God’s word.
Beyond disobedience, am I not also guilty of pride?
Worry essentially declares, “God, you can’t handle this situation, so I’m going to carry it.” This sentiment reeks of pride. What a stench in God’s nostrils!
The only other option is TRUST. I can trust God or I can worry. There is no middle ground.
There is more to trusting God than merely believing he is fully capable of handling my challenges and concerns. To trust God implies action; to intentionally act on my belief in God’s abilities.
I define trusting God as follows: To relinquish my hold on the concerns of my heart and place them in God’s hands—and leave them there!
Not a single day passes that worry doesn’t open the door and waltz brazenly into my life. On any given day, it is easy to welcome worry and indulge his companionship; to wallow in the unknown and get in a tizzy over matters I can not control. Other days, I push back with determination and throw him out to the curb.
Today I have a choice. Today I can either entrust my challenges and concerns into the hands of Almighty God, or, I can worry.
There is no middle ground.
For Reflection
① What worries are you embracing today? What is preventing you from giving them over to God in prayer—and leaving them there?
② What are the physical, mental or emotional repercussions you experience as a result of worry? How do these experiences differ when you trust God? Given the difference, what reasons do you give for choosing worry?
Bury that Treasure!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
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