Thursday, October 20, 2011

Do Not Worry (Oct 20)

Then Jesus said to the disciples: "Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat; about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food and the body more than clothes.
                                      Luke 12;22-23 NIV

There are several definitions of worry.  The two that are the most germane to today's passage are: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret and to torment what cares, anxieties, etc; trouble.  In addition, worry means to move with effort: an old car worrying uphill.

Worry is an inward emotion that we apply to ourselves in uncomfortable, challenging, unresolvable and impossible situations we or loved ones are in.  It tends to be with us always and by our own efforts is not leave or depart from us.  Often, worry stems from uncertainty about an outcome, that is, in fact, most usually outside of our direct control.

When worry creeps into our life, we need to remember that we were, with original sin, born into an uncomfortable, challenging, and for our own efforts alone in an unresolvable and impossible situation.  It is only by the work of our Lord, Jesus, on the cross, that we were given eternal life.

When a worrisome situation arises, and we are heavy laden, take that situation to the Lord in prayer.  Take that situation to the cross, and wash that situation in the blood of Christ that has been shed for us and our sin.

Focus on Christ; as the Hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus states that the things of the world will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.  Worry too can grow strangely dim.

What burdens are you carrying that you have not taken to the Lord in prayer?

Take your burdens to the Lord in prayer now.

In Christ,


David P

No comments:

Post a Comment