Do Not Worry

We are always trying to pass on our wisdom to our kids. Hopefully the wisdom we pass on to them is God's wisdom. Well, sometimes in our Christian walk we have to learn lessons over and over and over again. Not worrying is one of those lessons. In this house people worry about tests and quizzes and sports games and work and that parent that wrote that nasty email and that boy who stole my hat and that project that needs to be done next week and that giant memory work the teacher assigned and all sorts of things. What happens when we worry? Usually in this house, it means someone can't get to sleep. Tears are often shed. We lay awake for long periods at night and stew things over and over.

What are we trying to learn to do? To trust and obey. To tell God about it and leave it with Him. To do our best and leave the rest to Him. To trust that He has it all under control and has our best interests in mind. To remember the many promises in His Word.

So what did I tell my son today when he was worrying about something? As Mater in the "Cars" movie so aptly puts it..."to NOT to." There's a good reason why we tell our kids not to worry.

What did Jesus say?

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Mt. 6:25-27)

The funny thing is, we always realize after the fact, that all the worrying was good for nothing. If only we would do what the Psalmist David said.

"Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." (Ps. 55:22)

God is busy working on us. Hopefully we see a progression in our faith and trust in His provision for our lives. I pray that we and our children will continue to grow closer to Him and learn to trust and not worry.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but IN EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)

What an awesome thing to experience God's peace. What a gift from above. What a gift sleep is; when you can just rest your head on your pillow and know that God is taking care of it all. When we truly leave it all at the feet of Jesus, He promises to give us His peace. Amazing. God is so good.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11)