I Am Really Worried

I  wrestled with my feelings that week, as did most Americans. How are we to feel toward to death of an international terrorist? Most of the news reporting had leaned one direction or another in speculating the things that will happen next. Osama Bin Laden masterminded the death of around 3,000 of our fellow Americans over a decade ago, and the search for this criminal ended in a battle with the elite Navy Seals. We could relax a bit.....he was finally dead.

Part of me wanted to celebrate the fact that our world has been ridden of such a mean and viscous person. We do not have to worry about this criminal planning for the death of any more of our countrymen. Another part of me was brought to the reality that the person that takes his place could be even worse in his assault against Americans.

Then I wonder how much, if any, Bin Laden had ever heard about God, or love, or the cross, or salvation, or grace? Would he be a candidate for the same eternal life that I yearn for? I know his religious beliefsdiffered from mine, but what if he had heard the truth of God’s revealed plan to redeem mankind? I mention all these questions not because I have the answers, but just to illustrate what I believe most of us could have been thinking since his death. The part that really alarms me is the warning that continues for all of us to be on alert for suspicious activities and the possibility that America will be the target of revenge.

Then I am reminded of the many wildfires that destroyed massive areas of Texas last summer. Lack of spring rains had its effect on us all. And while that was going on, only a few hundred miles to the east, some of the most devastating floods in history were washing away homes and towns. Add to this the fact that our gasoline is rapidly approaching $4.00 per gallon, grocery prices continue to rise, and just about every location is experiencing increased violence and crime. Human nature brings me to put the blame on politicians, or anyone that disagrees with me, or in general, the downward spiral of society. The real truth is ……we are in a mess!

Jesus taught his disciples some important principles of life one day. In the list of those things he taught there is something called “worry.” Look at what he has to say: “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?” (Matthew 6:25‐27)

 Jesus goes on to speak of the lilies of the field, and how their splendor is greater than that of Solomon, all because God takes care of them. He says the same is true of the green grass that is clothed by God even though it is here only for a while. He wants us to know if God takes such good care of lilies and grass, then we are weak in faith if we doubt his willingness and ability to take care of us. So Jesus says, “Don’t worry about these essentials like what you will eat or drink or wear. God knows you need them.”

Here is the solution to our dilemma, “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.” (Verses 33‐34)

Shall we continue to worry about every detail in our world’s current events? Gas will probably go even higher, unemployment may continue to rise, and terrorists may attack us again. Jesus says our priority remains seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We serve a God who doesn’t want us to get so anxious over the things of this world that we lose the excitement for what he is preparing for us.

When seeking him is our priority, he takes care of the rest.

 <ronbwriting@yahoo.com>