Giving ‘IT’ to God
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Matthew 6:30-40
30. "But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is [alive] today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more [do so for] you, O men of little faith? 31. "Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' 32. "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. 34. "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. [Each] day has enough trouble of its own.
I’m having one of those “time to practice what you preach” weeks. There are several important things going on in my near future as well as throughout the next year and beyond. Important not so much to me, specifically, but to others in my life. My son will begin life as a college student in two weeks. My daughter has begun plans for her wedding a year from now. And these two things are the “big” ones. Several friends are seeking job changes, beginning new jobs, dealing with family issues, struggling with health concerns, and on and on. And I get all wrapped up in all of it!
I know these verses by heart and often call them to mind when I feel overwhelmed. Too often, though, it’s very far along in the process and I’ve begun spinning out of control before I realize I’ve done it again! Part of the problem is my innate need to be in charge. I mean, I feel compelled to be in charge of everything! It’s a constant struggle for me to just let go of the things out of my control – because if people would just listen to me life would be easier for them. In other words, I need to “get over myself.” Who do I think I am that I feel compelled to run the world? What runs through the mind of someone who frets and fumes and stays up at night stressing over the details of things they’re not even involved in?
You don’t want to know! But I’ll tell you that it is certainly not a recitation of these verses! As I approach my 50th birthday, I’m learning to let go. I’m allowing my children to learn life lessons from their own decisions. I’m trying hard to allow those in charge of things to do what they are tasked with doing and not pass judgment or complain if I don’t agree. I struggle daily with the world situation, especially the Middle East right now. The list is endless. But I am going to God sooner and more often now. Sometimes I’ve gotten myself pretty worked up by the time I catch myself. Those are the times when I can’t even really pray properly. Those are the times when I simply tell God, “I’m giving this to you.”
Guess what happens when I give it to God? Go ahead. Guess. OK. That was probably way too easy. The guessing – not the doing! Why do I do that? Why do I get so far gone that I can’t even articulate a prayer? Part of the reason is that I have been a parent for the past 21.5 years! It comes naturally in that role. The other part is that I am the oldest of five children. Also, God has gifted me with leadership abilities. He continues to refine me in the area of humility, though. I’m a work in progress in that area, and I am ever grateful that He is patient with me – and merciful. To cut myself a bit of slack, I also have a gentle, loving heart, and I want everyone in my world to feel safe, and loved; to be happy and feel fulfilled. So it really isn’t always all about me.
My prayer today is that you will make “IT” all about God. And that you will seek His kingdom and His righteousness before you get all worked up about your life.
Mary
