Even in the Small Things

   

Tiny white flowers in our grass

 When we think of praying to God, we tend to believe that He cares only about the big things in our lives.  At least, this was what my mother thought.  She was having trouble finding her keys one day and I suggested that she ask God for help.  For a moment, she paused and looked at me then asked:  "Why should I ask the Lord for a small thing like that?"  Then, I told her that God cares about those things which concern us even in finding something we have lost.  There have been many occasions when I have misplaced something so I stop my frantic searching, take a calming breath, and ask the Lord to help me find it.  Time after time, He has helped me locate the missing item.  Now some might think that is stretching it, but I look back to the Lord's instructions in the Book of Matthew.
      In Chapter 10, Jesus is instructing His disciples concerning the persecution they will face in the future.  He tells them not to fear because God is watching over them.  He uses this illustration in verses 29-31:  "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs on your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore;  you are of more value than many sparrows."  Each time I read this verse, I am amazed.  The sparrow is a tiny bird and yet, God knows when it falls to the ground.  He even knows the number of hairs on our head.  Therefore, why would He not care about all the issues of life that concern us both big and little?  If He is Sovereign (and I know He is), then there is nothing out of His control, His view, or His ability to act.
     Another passage which encourages us to take all things to our heavenly Father is found in Chapter 7:25-34.  In this portion of Scripture, Jesus tells us plainly not to worry about what we shall eat, drink or what we should wear.  Then, He tells us why:  "Look at the birds of the air:  they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?" (vs. 26)  God manages all His creation and is the source and provider for all.  So why do we get in such a panic mode over things in our lives?  Then, Jesus ends this passage by saying in verse 34:  "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  We borrow so much trouble by worrying about the future.  "What if this"  or "What if that" when none of it may happen.  Instead, we are to rely on God for all our needs.

Tiny lizard on our driveway

     Whenever I had a fear, a worry or a heartache, my mother would point me to these two Scriptures to help me.  This is why I trust Him to help me find a set of car keys or some other item.  I know He cares about me because He is a God with whom I have a relationship.  He is not some far off Being that stands back and allows us to flounder in life.  From the foundation of the world, He made us for His glory and has desired to fellowship with us.  For this reason, I have complete confidence in Him as my sustainer, protector, defender and Lord.
     As I was enjoying the outside today, I found the tiniest little white flowers in the grass.  The bees were getting the nectar from these little flowers.  Then, when I walked across the driveway, I saw a small lizard maybe 3 inches at most.  I couldn't help but get a picture of these two small things for both were God's handiwork.  He cares about even these small things.  Therefore, do not shrink back from talking with Him about all that concerns you.  He is able to do far more than we are able to think or accomplish, and He will NEVER leave nor forsake us.  On Him, we can depend.  Selah!

From Anxiety to Trust

     Heading to worship this past Sunday, I felt the old gnawing sensation creeping up my back and sending my stomach churning once again.  I knew only too well the old enemy of my soul was stirring up those feelings of insecurity and anxiety that have dogged my footsteps for many years.   Having experienced a panic attack, no one would ever want to have another one; so the fear of the "fear" is what paralyzes me.   I never have thought of myself as a worrier, but that is exactly what God showed me during the service.  We have been planning a trip to Europe to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and with so many unknowns,  I allowed my concern to grow.  By the time we arrived at church, I was inwardly battling old emotional responses to stress.
     As we settled in our pew, I began a slow breathing exercise to calm my anxiety.  It helped, but not nearly as much as the Word being preached and the worship that filled the sanctuary.  Both lifted me out of myself so that I could hear what the Lord had to say.  What began with anxiety that morning, ended with a prayer of gratitude for God's goodness in revealing to me my sin and its remedy.
     Our pastor has been preaching a series on the Songs of Ascent in the Psalms.  Psalm 127 and 128 were to focus this past Sunday.  The first few verses of Psalm 127 are what began to open my mind and heart releasing them from the icy prison of anxiety.  These words of Solomon are so rich with wisdom:  "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.  It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep."

     These words pried open the door shut hard against the fear I was feeling.  It was a revelation though I had heard these verses many times before.  Yet, this time was different.  The Holy Spirit helped me see that God is in control.   He is the one that builds the house, guards the city, provides for our needs, and leads the way.  When we take it upon ourselves to do these things, we bring only anxiety and stress into our lives.  We demonstrate to God that we do not trust Him.
     Jesus said it well:  "Therefore do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body what you will put on.....And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? " (Matthew 6:25a; 27).  Jesus goes on to describe how God takes care of the flowers of the field and the birds of the air.  Being even more valuable than these creatures, God will also take care of us.  He already knows what we need.  While I have read these verses a zillion times, somehow they didn't register until now.  It became clear to me that worry was a sin.  My anxiety resulted from lack of trust in God who watches over all the affairs of my life.
     Amazing, isn't it?  We can be given a precious gift (like time with my husband on a special trip) and yet, we begin to worry about all the "what ifs" that may never occur.  Even if they do occur, what is the worst thing that can happen that God cannot deal with?  I had a counselor point that out to me years ago.  She told me that even if we suffer a bout of depression, a panic attack, or some other problem, does that mean our life is over and God is not present to help lift us up?  Admittedly, the answer is "no".  Since nothing can separate us from His love, we have no reason to fear and all the more reason to trust.

     All our worries, anxiety and fear cannot accomplish anything.  It can cause us to have an upset stomach, tingling in our fingertips, and a sense of impending doom.  However, trusting in the God who builds the house, keeps the city safe and watches over us, brings peace as we yield to His sovereignty.
     I left church fully blessed.  I repented of the sin of worry and committed my heart to greater trust in God.  Let no one ever say that God does not speak through His Word when it is faithfully preached in the assembly of believers.  When we come expecting to hear from the Lord, He will never disappoint us.  I am grateful to our faithful pastors who study and share from God's Word each week.  Most importantly, I am grateful to God for setting me free from the bondage of anxiety.
     Are you faithfully attending church each week?  There is a wealth of fellowship, teaching, and prayer that can help you face the trials and circumstances of your life.  You may not suffer from anxiety, but there is no problem to big or small which the Lord cannot touch.  God dwells in the middle of His people when they come together in worship before Him.  Do not miss out on His blessings.  Answers to life's dilemmas come when we seek first His kingdom.  He will add just what we need when we need it.   Selah!


How has God been speaking to you this week?  What Scriptures come to your mind as you face each day?  I welcome your thoughts and insights here as well as your encouragement.