Photo By: JustUptown (Creative Commons)
OK, so, I worry. I worry all the time. I worry about the things I can control, sort of. I worry about the things I cannot control – which are most things.
I worry that I will never have a job I even remotely like. I worry that I will always feel inferior at the J-O-B I currently trudge through every day. I worry that I have missed every opportunity God has placed before me. I worry that people won’t like me if they know the things about me that God already knows.
I worry that people will not read this or the next 59 posts.
I worry that people will not laugh.
Did I say I worry? Boy was that an understatement.
In one of my favorite passages in the Bible, Jesus talks to the disciples and admonishes them about being worried about stuff, especially the stuff needed to survive day by day.
Mathew 6:25-34 is one of the most hope filled passages in the entire bible – to me.
I read it often; and yet – I worry.
Recently, I was looking this passage over and noticed verse 27, which says (NLT – of course), “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Wasn’t Jesus smart?
Does that smack you like it smacks me? Does that make you look at the ridiculous amount of time you’ve wasted in your life worrying about crap?
You know, he doesn’t say it but I think studies have shown that spending too much time being worried actually reduce your life expectancy. And to what end? Can you get back that decision or that moment? No, it’s gone and now you have to move on – I sure hope I am reading this!
So is that the take away here? Actually no it’s not. The take away is that I believe I have discovered the secret to a longer life – because the secret to eternal life is not a secret at all; it’s trusting and belief in Jesus Christ – but to live a longer life in order to do our job as Christ followers is pretty simple.
Take a look at what Proverbs 9:11 says,” Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.”
So, worry kills but wisdom gives life? Cool, sign me up.
Seriously though think about that. Worrying drags you down and sucks the life out of you – kinda like children – but wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.
How great is God? Doing everything he can to make sure you live a long productive life.
So, what exactly is wisdom and where do we get this magic elixir?
So glad you asked. Check out Job 28:28 – another of my favs – “And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’”
In this case “fear” is not being scared or being worried – I love God – but showing God reverence, loving him, following his statutes. Doing what he put you here to do.
So, quit worrying about anything – note to self – just stop, because frankly it’s stupid.
So, go love God and let Him multiply your days.
Mick Holt 