Sunday, March 23, 2014

What About the Lilies?

After seeing me coughing and sneezing and feeling miserable, Corrine was worried and insisted I see my doctor to find out if I had a cold or allergies.  It was allergies.  

Many of us suffer with allergies during this most beautiful time of the year when dormant flowers and tree blossoms literally spring alive and decorate the landscape.  I don’t know about you, but even though those Bradford Pear trees are spectacular they make me reach for my nasal spray.

Since Jesus was both fully human and fully divine, do you think he suffered with allergies?  He seemed to love nature and often drew upon it to make a point.   One of his most famous is, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow….” (Matthew 6:28).  

I am not sure how many of us “consider the lilies” and practice the punch line that comes in verse 34, “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Today’s trouble is enough for today.” 

When you stop to think about it, there is a lot to worry about and everyone who is alive has some worry.   As for me, I am the world’s biggest worrier.   I am not proud of it, but I worry about everything, even worrying that I worry so much!  I need to consider the lilies!

I don’t know what you might be worried about today, but Jesus does offer this sound guidance.  Take each day as it comes.   Yesterday is past and gone, and who knows what tomorrow may bring. 
The key to all of this is found in verse 33, “But strive FIRST for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  

So today, just for today, rest in the assurance that God cares about you and all your worries.  Today is the day you have. You can choose to worry yourself sick or use the day to rejoice and be glad in it as you strive first for the kingdom of God.

As I consider the lilies of the field, the more I see the secret is to stop focusing on my worries and focus more on God’s amazing love and care.   What about you, do you need to consider the lilies?   If so, let’s do it together.

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