Sparrows & Lilies!

Tuesday October 11, 2011

Today's Passage: Matthew 6:23-34
Memory Verse:

What in the world are we doing? Now that I have your attention, I need to point out the fact that there are as many stressed-out people in the church as there are in the world. How can that be? We sing of the goodness of God in our sanctuaries every week. Do we not believe it? Make no mistake about it, God has never failed us, nor is He the cause for our mistakes and poor decisions. So when we worry or stress-out, it's because we've once again submitted our lives to the world's influence. And frankly, God deserves better.

Have you ever told someone God was incompetent? Ever thought Him to be a failure? We of course wouldn't say these things outwardly, but our behavior gives our outside world a view of what we feel inside. So when Christians worry, it not only destroys our faith, but it also literally messes up our witness. Worrying is being excessively concerned over what one can't control. It's wasted energy. Biologically, it forces the brain to recognize trauma. When that happens, the "trauma kit" the body has (adrenaline, heart rate, etc) is activated. If there's no trauma, however, the misused kit can cause ulcers, irregular blood pressure, headaches, and heart issues. So don't worry. Worrying says God is not taking care of us. It robs Him of His glory. And besides, if we have the same fears and worries the world does, why get saved? Are there no perks for being in the kingdom? Come on. You know better than that!

God takes meticulous care of us. Meaning, He considers even the smallest detail when He cares for us. He leaves no stone unturned. Consider the sparrow and how God cares for them. Do they ever spend a day worrying? No. Each morning they do what they're purposed to do. And they don't try to be other things, or sit back and wait for something else to provide what they need. They're convinced each day will bring the shelter and nourishment required to make it to the next day. Now, consider the lilies of the fields. God covers them in beautiful array everyday they live. Do they ever worry about what they're wearing? No. They're content with what God has given. They don't fall into the lust of wanting to look like a rose, or a daisy. They, too, are content with the covering God has given everyday they live. In God's eyes, we're more than a sparrow or lily. So if He makes sure the sparrow is fed and the lily is clothed, how much more will He do for us? There's no need to worry when God's in control. Everything He does has a purpose. So, there's a purpose for what He gives and what He takes away. There's a purpose for what He allows and what He hinders.

Worrying doesn't move the Father. It just lets the devil know he's the one in control. Listen: God has the perfect plan for your life. Notice, I didn't say "a" perfect plan. I didn't because there's only one plan. The plan God has is a strategic campaign to expand His kingdom. However, if it has to compete with your plan, "if's" replace strategy. The unknown supplants ordered steps. And that's what gives birth to worrying. So don't worry; submit. Don't stress; believe. God's gotcha. Just like the sparrows and lilies.

Prayer: Father, You are all I want and need. You've taught me that if I just live to the fullest today, being content with the daily bread You've provided, I will not pine after things that don't satisfy. So I meditate on Your goodness and perfect love towards me. Thank You for healing the pains of yesterday, fixing my focus for today, and freeing me to live for only You tomorrow. In Jesus' Name, Amen.