Thursday, December 6, 2012

Don't Worry

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth." - Luke 21:24-25

I admit, I read this one a few times through. And each time, I was hung up on the "anxieties of daily life part" - not that I don't agree with it, but because it seems like an instruction that's far and away from "carousing and drunkenness". Don't get distracted by partying, alcohol or... anxiety? 

It took me awhile to understand where Jesus was coming from this. After all, the first two actions - partying and becoming inebriated - are often looked upon by the person experiencing it as "good" thing. I mean, who doesn't like a good party and a good drink? So why lump anxiety - an emotion that's very personal and not something people wish to experience - in with the other two? Why not leave it to the first two? After all, it's quite logical to point out that, if you're partying and drunk, you most likely will miss the signs of the end times. But being anxious about daily stuff?

But then I started thinking about the times that I've been anxious. Worrying about what's going to happen, and consuming myself with the outcomes, the probabilities, the what-ifs. And during those times, the only memories I have are that of being anxious - the rollercoaster of emotions you feel when in those situations. If that's what I remember of those times, was I truly paying attention to what God had in store for me next? Probably not. 

And I think that's Jesus's point. That we can't possibly be putting God first if we're putting ourselves first - whether that be drunk at a party or worrying about tomorrow. 

Maybe the next time I'm anxious, I'll remember that. That it's not me that should be first, but God.



"But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. " - Matthew 6:33-34

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