“Hi. My name is Joanne Viola. And I am a worrier.”
There I said it. It has been said that the first step to overcoming a problem is admitting it. I worry. A lot. I worry till I get to the realization that more than worrying needs to be done. This is usually when the light bulb goes on and I do the more, I pray.
The word “worry” means “to be anxious, to be divided or distracted by.” (from The Woman’s Study Bible)
Worry will divide us as we cannot both worry and trust God at the same time. It will also distract us from doing that which we can do to resolve or change our circumstances – it will keep us from praying.
Jesus asks this question:
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him that they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
(Matthew 7:26-27, NLT)
Jesus indicates our obvious need for food, shelter and clothing. He knows we have need of these. So what is He trying to get us to discover through His questions?
- We are each valuable to God. Why are we valuable? Our worth comes simply from the truth that we have been made in His image. We are the only living things created in His image. This one difference, bearing His image, is the very reason we are valuable.
- Worrying is pointless. Nothing will improve or change by worry or being anxious. We cannot add a single moment to our lives through worry. There is nothing to be gained through the action of worry.
Rather Jesus points us to the birds who are cared for by His Father. All that they need is supplied to them. And He promises to take care of us as well, providing for our needs and comforting us when worry and anxiety nips at the corners of our minds.
Jesus hopes to make us realize, “If God lavishes such concern over the rest of his creation, how much more does he love us!” (taken from the New American Commentary, Vol. 22, page 125)
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, NIV1984)
Jesus asks the question to make us realize,
We are valuable to our God.
And He loves us with a love which is great!
This is Day 5 of 31 Questions Jesus Asked. You can find the entire series here.
Today I am joining … Sharing His Beauty and #SmallWonder and Inspire Me Monday and Playdates With God .
I guess I need to join the same 12-step group you’re in! Worrying is definitely my go-to place, but trusting to be able to re-channel the gush of worry into prayer!
Oh Michele, I so hope we won’t need 12 steps before finding freedom š I’m learning that all which concerns me, concerns Him. May we trust Him. Blessings!
Ah yes – to live free from worry! As a former friend of worry and fear, let me assure you: it takes work, but it can be done! xoxo Great post – and those gorgeous photo’s! Wow!
Karrilee, it can surely be done. This will probably be ongoing – raising its ugly head now & then. But may our response time be quicker so that we pray immediately š Blessings!
Stopping by from inspire me Monday, but I recognize your button from when you first shared it on the 31 days thread on Facebook. It turned out great. I love those verses. So much comfort and encouragement!
I cannot take any credit for the button as my daughter helped me with it. Thank you so much for stopping here & offering encouragement. May you be challenged & inspired as you continue to write!
Amen! Every time I’m out bird watching and photographing, I remember this verse. I’m a worrier, too, so all those birdies help keep my mind focused on the fact that I don’t HAVE to worry! God is in control.
Anita, it is so true as birds are becoming a reminder in my life as well. So grateful for their beauty which speaks to our hearts of our faithful God.
I’ve struggle with worrying all my life. š I think I’m a tad better now (praise God), but still not where I’d like to be. I’ll look at birds differently today. Thanks, Joanne.
Lisa, I do think worry will raise its ugly head now & then. But hopefully each time we reach the point of surrender to prayer & trust more quickly. Blessings!
When I receive an answered prayer, I often wonder why I bothered to worry about that issue in the first place. I have to trust that whatever it is, God always carries it in His heart, His mind, and His control. No need for me to worry at all!
It’s so true, Holly. In hindsight we realize we had no need to worry at all as our God had us covered from the beginning. Wonderful point!
“Worry divides us” That’s such a helpful image – worry cuts us off from the present which is the exact place where we can most likely experience God’s love and grace. Thanks for linking, Joanne!
Yes, Kelly! That is such a good way to put it!
Such a good word about an all too common problem!
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!