Questions! Questions!
One of my grandsons is especially inquisitive. “Why this... Why that...?” He even asks questions when he already knows the answer. For instance, “Papa, are you using a hammer?” (Did he think I was using a feather duster?)
So I turn the tables on him and ask, “What do you think this is?”
“It’s a hammer!” Smart kid!
“Yep, that’s a hammer.”
Jesus often asked questions. One of my favorites is ... “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27, ESV). He continues, “therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ” (Matthew 6:31).
Let’s talk about worry, starting with a couple of simple truths.
First, worry is simply faithlessness. Instead of trusting God for His provision or protection, we senselessly and needlessly worry. We’re anxious when we should be patient and faithful, trusting God to meet our need. So, when we worry, we discredit God, acting under the assumption that He is too small to meet our need.
Secondly, who do we think we are? Daddy would have said, “You’re a little too big for your britches!” Are we big enough or powerful enough to solve our problems or meet our needs by worrying? If we hyper-analyze our troubles, looking at the concern from every angle, do we really think we can solve the problems?
So, let’s say, I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow morning. I haven’t been feeling up to par, so I’m going in for a check-up. I have a choice. I can lay in bed and imagine every conceivable outcome, every possible deadly disease, every horrible diagnosis. I can cheat myself out of a good night’s sleep and accomplish nothing. Or, I can pray, “casting all my anxieties on Him, because He cares!” (I Peter 5:7). I can “seek His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) knowing that He will provide and protect. I can, with “confidence draw near to the throne of grace ... and receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV).
Jesus asked, “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27, ESV). He wasn’t being super-spiritual; He was being logical. Think about it. If we fret and fuss and fester all night long, are we going to add a minute to our life? Of course not! Worry accomplishes nothing!
On the night before that doctor’s appointment... remember that “your heavenly Father knows!” (Matthew 6:32, ESV). He knows the diagnosis and the outcome. And because He is the Great Physician, He is able to heal! You can trust Him! Let Him carry the burden... He has broad shoulders!
Obey the eleventh commandment: Thou shalt not worry!
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