So often we here distressing news, whether it is world news, local news, news from a friend, or simply a passing comment from a stranger. Distressing news can so often instigate worry in our hearts, but why? What really, truly good reason is there to let it? Over the last few months I have been using Ruth Leamy's devotional book, "Sacred Signposts". (An excellent book I would highly recommend!) In Day Two of the final chapter, something she said really gripped my mind and got me thinking. She asked a simple question. One which to ask ourselves when something is causing us to worry. "Is it relevant to you in your current situation?" How often are our worries focused on some future time or date, or even have no direct impact on us at all? A verse from Matthew comes to mind. "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (v.6:34) Today, this moment, has enough things to cause worry without borrowing things from another time or place to worry about!
Besides, when we worry, it's like telling God, "I don't believe You are big enough or strong enough to handle this one by Yourself, I think I'd better help You figure this one out!" I would never dream about actually voicing such an arrogant statement, and I'm sure few of you, my readers, would either, but my worry says it nearly every day! Who am I, who are we, to presume to be able to "help" God, not to mention to imply that He could ever need help?!
I think, most times, our tendency to worry reveals our lack of truly knowing God. If we but had a clearer grasp on who and what He is, our worries would evaporate in the brilliance of all that He is! When you find yourself prone to worry, turn your focus onto God's great power and wisdom. Often this will need to be a very deliberate, often repeated exercise, but one well worth learning!
