Obviously (at least in my case), not going away would not have changed any of this. Yet, all of this brings up some important questions. How much control do we actually have? What difference does worrying make? The answer to both is, “Not a whole lot.” This kind of stuff is something that Jesus spoke to directly. It’s hard for us to comprehend the social and economic upheaval that was taking place in Jesus’ time. Perhaps the biggest difference is that there was no democratic process in government to complicate matters—and if the government wanted to raise taxes there was nothing that could stop them. Rome ruled with an iron fist. The poor were getting poorer. Those with power were in it for themselves.

It was in this context that Jesus said:
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.                         Matthew 6:31-34
There are a lot of things we can’t control. In tumultuous times as well as calm ones, the secret seems to be to discover where we do have power and focus our lives there. The greatest power God has given us is to, by his grace, make choices about our attitude. An approach to life that begins with trust—not in circumstances or even in our abilities, but in the goodness and care of God.

The next thing Jesus talks about here is priorities. He says, “seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness...”. What is most important? What is necessary and why? What can I do without? Jesus doesn’t simply tell us to live simply. He gives us something big to fill the emptiness in our hearts and give us criteria for making choices—“his kingdom and his righteousness.”

Times like these... I like them about as much as root canal or worse, eating beets. My default is to try to analyze what’s happening (often a cover-up for what I’m actually doing—worrying). The big challenge is not to let a “good trial” go to waste. What can God do with my character in facing this kind of wide-spread anxiety? How can I influence the life of a neighbor or the hearts of my kids in dealing with it? What can I do with my brothers and sisters in Christ that will bear witness to the presence of the Kingdom of God? Will I become more peaceful or more troubled? Will I become more helpful or more antagonistic? Will I become stingy or more generous? More aware of my loved ones or just more distracted? Will I become more thankful for what I do have, or more bound by what I don’t? Am I willing for Christ to have his way with me, especially when things aren’t going my way?

That’s quite an assignment. By God’s grace, let’s not let the present go to waste.

Peace,
Pastor Tom