July 29, 2012

Don't Worry, Seek Instead!

Good Sunday morning to you, friends!

Yesterday morning was NOT a good morning in the heart and home of this writer.  I was frustrated with my circumstances and my inability to control them.  (Another working Saturday for the husband, too many things coming up in August, a very, too mess house ... cry me a river!)  I wanted everyone to GO AWAY or to go away myself for a few days.  (Because escaping your troubles is always healthy.  Ha!)

I knew the gospel just as much as the day before, but I didn't really want to do anything about it.  I felt I had a right to stay grumpy, even though I knew full well engaging with the day, my children, and my God was the wise choice that would bring joy.

While I was working on that, my sister called and the kids and I met up with her at the park.  Sister to the rescue!  Shaken out of the navel gazing, the rest of the day was better.  Not great, I'm still a pretty big, selfish sinner ... God gets the credit for anything redemptive about yesterday.

Here's part of my problem.  I worry about tomorrow.  I work myself up into a tizzy about things that are not happening yet, fretting about how the might happen.  For example: next week we're taking a long weekend with my in-laws, and from what I've heard of the cottage, we may all be sleeping in the same room.  So naturally, I'm imagining only how awful the vacation will be because we'll all be up at 5:30am every day because some child has woken everyone.  We shouldn't even go.

Hello Eeyore!

I know, we can take naps, we desperately need to get away, we will have four adults to three children, and that my in-laws are so helpful.  But, Mrs. Doomsday (me) would rather quit because I imagine my comfort will be compromised.

I imagine.

Isn't that really what worry is?  We are imagining what may be, given our limited view of the circumstances, rather than trusting it all, day by day, to the all-knowing, everywhere-present, mighty God we call Father.  That good-gift Giver.  Oh my worries are so silly ... and so insulting to Him.

But it's not really enough to tell someone "just don't worry about it."  We all know how annoying that is, don't we?!  Here's what Jesus had to say:

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.  Matthew 6:33-34

He does tell us not to worry about tomorrow and how our needs will be met.  But He also invites us to fill that "worry space" by seeking God's kingdom and righteousness.

I should have been doing that yesterday. Asking myself, Things are not going my way, but how can I seek God's kingdom and righteousness right now to get my head out of my navel and on to the things of God?
This is my reminder for today!
Would anyone like to join me in practicing this with more regularity?  This selfish, little worry wart would love your accountability.  May God bless you on this day of worship, showing you how you can see His kingdom and righteousness more intentionally each day!


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