Posted on April 7, 2024 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
THE JOURNEY
Enough of Worry, for Today
by Shelly Huston
I’m listening to “Fires” by Jordan St. Cyr this morning, as it speaks to portions of my life and possibly yours. “I remember how you told me that life may not be easy, and everything I need you’ve already given me. I remember how you told me, I can trust you completely, so why am I doubting when you’ve proved that you fight for me. You’ve walked me through fires, pulled me from flames. If you’re in this with me I won’t be afraid…”
As I live with the beatitudes, I’ve learned that I trust him. I depend upon God, the Father. Without him, like the lily or the sparrow, I will perish. In most forms, worry is unproductive and wastes my time and energy. It’s a preoccupation that distracts me from God’s preferred focus. I wonder what I’d be able to accomplish this week if I hadn’t been diverted by worry.
To worry is to give way to anxiety or unease, to allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. Sometimes, this uncertainty is centered on actual or potential problems. It can trigger anxiety, including physical effects on the body, or emotional ones.
I must admit, as a parent, I worry most about my kids. What junior high should I enroll my precious daughter in? That was a big one for me this year, wasting lots of sleep, a few antacids, and a lot of extra under-eye concealer to hide the dark circles. I found it difficult to immediately entrust her into the hands of God. It’s been a month since he helped us settle the decision, and I recognize his conviction and mercy even now. Perhaps my belated attitude adjustment about worry can help you shift yours ‘now.’ Don’t waste another month of your time like I did. What area of trust do you need to shift? Do you need to entrust your earthly parent’s health into the hands of the ‘Father.’ Is it your financial health? Is it your retirement fund? What is the worry that worries you? What attitude adjustment is God recommending?
Lilies depend on God for direct sunlight, rain, and rich soil. He provides all three; without them, they would perish. The lilies do nothing great to deserve these amazing provisions, nor do they hold anything back. They bloom. Name four primary provisions God made possible in the last month for you. What does God think you are worried about? How does worry impact your relationship with God? Has worry taken up a great deal of your time and energy? Is it becoming a force you reckon with, wrestle with daily, or a companion you’ve learned to live with?
God delivered the Israelite community out of slavery, yet they grumbled, basically saying, we would have preferred to have died by the hand of the Lord in Egypt than to starve in the desert. Even in their grumbling, the Lord provided manna and quail for them to eat in the desert. Name the hardest trial God has brought you through. How did you respond? What trial are you facing now, and can you approach it differently? Has God ever surpassed what you have asked for? How did his remarkable generosity impact you then and now?
We all live with some degree of fear. Financial loss, fear of losing a loved one, or fear of death itself are all common. God is inviting us to be freed from fear and have confidence that when you pass through the waters or walk through the fire, he is with you. What are you most afraid of losing? Has God brought you through a loss such as this before? Will he not do it again? What is the worst thing that could happen this time? What do you think God would like to see happen? Gentle Reminder: We may pass through the waters but not be overwhelmed by them. We may pass through the fire, but it will not burn. We don’t always pass by them.
This chapter is like an accelerated growth plan for the community of Jesus followers at that time. Teaching us to make every effort to keep unity through the holy spirit. Admonishing us to become a mature body of believers. No longer takers, but givers. We work and do something useful with our hands so that we have something to share with those in need. What do you have to share with those who are in need? What are your giftings? Can you share with new believers or those standing on the edge of the crowd? Possibly, those at work who you know could step over the threshold if they were ‘shown a little kindness.’
Jesus emptied Himself of his position and title and became a servant. He put the needs of mankind above his own and asked us to do the same. This is perhaps one of human nature’s most unappealing volunteer programs. Many of us like to be recognized for what we do. It feels great. Is it time to emphasize someone else in your life? What are their goals/needs, and how can you help them achieve them? What fruit do you think this would produce in your own life?
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
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CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
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