\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Worry\u00e2\u20ac\u009d as defined by dictionary.com \u00e2\u20ac\u201c> \u00e2\u20ac\u0153to torment oneself<\/strong> with or suffer from disturbing thoughts\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (emphasis mine).<\/p>\n

We do it to ourselves. We torment ourselves with wondering what if something should happen, or what we will do, or what we need. Jesus tells us:<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on.”<\/em> (Matthew 6:25, NASB)
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Yet “worries” have a way of needling their way into our hearts and minds, thoughts pressing in on us in the still of the night.<\/p>\n

Jesus tells us to turn our attention to the birds who find what they need each day and are provided for by our Father. He then asks this question:<\/p>\n

“<\/em>And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s span?”<\/em> (verse 27, NASB)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Of course the answer to that question is none of us can add anything to our lives by worrying.<\/p>\n

Jesus not only tells us not to worry but He then tells us why we should not worry \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.<\/span><\/span>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d <\/em>(verse 32b, NASB). God knows our needs. We need not worry because He has them covered.<\/p>\n

There’s a distinct difference between our needs and our wants. Just because we like it or want it, does not mean we need it. A good question to ask ourselves is, “Can I do without it?”<\/p>\n

He also tells us the antidote to worry:<\/p>\n

“<\/em>But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”<\/em> (verse 33, NASB)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Priorities\u00e2\u20ac\u009d can be defined as \u00e2\u20ac\u201c> \u00e2\u20ac\u0153something regarded as more important<\/strong> than anything else\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (emphasis mine). Dictionary.com defines it as \u00e2\u20ac\u201c> \u00e2\u20ac\u0153the right to take precedence over\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

What is high on our list? What do we see as most important in our lives? What are we giving the right to take precedence over all else in our lives?<\/p>\n

Hidden within the answers to these questions we will find our priorities.<\/p>\n

For the last week, I have gone back to listen to this song repeatedly. May this be the answer when we are worried or our priorities have become skewed. May we pause and realign our desires. May we drop to our knees and pray, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Give Me Jesus\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n