If I’m totally honest, I admit I worry too much. With the daily disasters reported in the news, it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘What If’ game. This is especially true when it comes to my grandchildren. What if they become ill, what if they’re in an accident, what if . . . ? You fill in the blank with whatever scary thing the future might hold. I know I’m not alone. Every day I’m in the clinic, I speak with patients anxious about the world we live in, worried about what it means for their children. But Jesus tells us, “Don’t be anxious. Give your worries to me.” In other words, trust Jesus with your ‘what ifs’.
Yes, I know I’m paraphrasing Him here. But this is the gist of statements Jesus often made during His ministry. I’m sure He took His first century audience by surprise since their lives must have been full of worries. The people of Israel in Jesus’ day had none of the safety nets we have today like medications for common deadly infections. Plus, the heavy hand of Rome held the people in its oppressive grip. Any attempt to get ahead financially was unfairly taxed by their Roman rulers. How could Jesus ask them not to worry given their situation? But He did.
I tell you not to worry about your life! Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. Life is more than food or clothing. Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. Can worry make you live longer? If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else? Look how the wildflowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink. Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father knows what you need. But put God’s work first, and these things will be yours as well.
The words of Jesus from Luke 12:22-31 CEV
So, was Jesus saying that if we’re believers and do God’s work, He will protect us from trouble? Certainly not. Usually, the opposite is true.
Jesus predicted trouble but promised help.
When you are arrested, don’t worry about what you will say. You will be given the right words when the time comes. But you will not really be the one speaking. Your words will come from the Holy Spirit.
The words of Jesus from Mark 13:11
But what does this promise mean for you and me?
In her book, The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells of a conversation she had as a child with her father concerning worry. This memory comforted her during future troubles much later in her life. During WWII, her family made the risky decision to hid Jews. As a result, the Nazi’s sent Corrie with her father and sister to the concentration camps. Only Corrie survived.
Father sat down on the edge of the narrow bed. “Corrie,” he began gently, “when you and I go to Amsterdam-when do I give you your ticket?” I sniffed a few times, considering this. “Why, just before we get on the train.” “Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things, too. Don’t run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need-just in time.”
Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie ten Boom
Despite all her trials, Corrie continued to trust Jesus. She witnessed and endured horrific atrocities at the hands of the Nazi’s. Yet, she came out on the other side triumphant. God gave her the strength she needed . . . just in time. And He can do the same for you and me. But, as Corrie’s father told her, we must not “run out ahead of Him.”
When we worry about what might happen tomorrow, we essentially are running ahead of Jesus. We’re ruminating about what we might do to avert disasters and mitigate loses that likely won’t even happen. Meanwhile, our worries about the future squeeze the joy out of today. Trust Jesus with your what ifs. Allow His Holy Spirit to give you a peace of mind the world can’t fully understand. And when trouble does come, He will give you the strength you need . . . just in time . . . to overcome and triumph.
Dear Lord Jesus, Calm my anxious mind as only You can do. Give me Your peace . . . a peace which reaches beyond my human understanding. As always, I thank you for Your constant presence in my life. Guard and protect my steps as well as those of my loved ones. And when life brings trouble, infuse my being with your Holy Spirit so that I will have the right words and actions to glorify You. Amen and Amen.
