“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" Matthew 6:25 NRSV
How many of us spend time worrying? Even though we may have little or no control over the situation, we often spend time fretting over potential outcomes. During this current pandemic, we have had many things that invite us to worry; our health and the health of our loved ones, the welfare of our community, the survival of our churches, and the recovery of the economy, to name only a few. While we can, and most certainly should, take precautions and safeguards, ultimately worrying about the outcome achieves nothing but add to our stress level, (v. 27) “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Medical studies have shown it has the opposite effect it shortens our life! As God’s children, he loves and cares for us and does not want us to spend time unnecessarily worrying. God will take care of us, (v. 33) “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” He desires us to come to Him first, leaving our cares, and placing our trust solely in Him. We have the assurance that God will not only make sure we have food and clothing but he will also see us through whatever worries we leave, including worries over this pandemic.
God, we give you thanks for your love and compassion. Although we have absolute, unrefutable knowledge you will take care of us we often chose to worry instead. Help us to remember to come to you with all our worries and leave them with you. Amen.
