Jesus has a way with words.
More specifically, he has a way with simple questions that get right to the point. And sometimes they get personal. For example —
“Why are you anxious about clothes?” he asked not long ago as I slammed my closet door. It’s been a long time since I read Matthew 6, but that verse came right to mind. I had a wedding to dress for, and two dresses that fit perfectly six months ago were NOT zipping up well. I could feel the tension rising up the back of my neck, the worry gnawing at my gut. I do not have time to shop for clothes, I should not spend the money … what can I wear? I went back to the closet and started tearing through the options, getting more frustrated by the minute.
“Why are you anxious about clothes?” the Lord asked me again. I threw a pile down on the bed. Why not be anxious? Of course I’m anxious, I have every reason to be anxious, I said.
“Don’t worry about your body, about what you will wear,” he continued (that’s vs. 25). Well I am worried about my body, and I have nothing to wear.
“Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (vs. 25)
I’ve always read that verse as applying to people who don’t have clothes. Not to someone like me with a full closet, for whom “nothing to wear” means “nothing I want to wear” or — like that week — “nothing that fits the way I want it to.” And it hit me: the problem is not the clothes, it’s the attitude. I will figure out what to wear. No one will care if I don’t wear the most perfect outfit. I will be fine. But my state of mind might keep me from entering into the joy of my friends.
I left the clothes piled where they were and retreated to my favorite chair with a cup of tea and my Bible to let the Lord bring me peace. Here are some of the things he said to me, right from his Word. Are you anxious today? Come into the Word and ponder them with me:
Matthew 6:27
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Read the whole passage I reference above in verses 25-34)
Luke 10:41-42
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion [sitting at my feet], which shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 12:27
Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. (Read verses 22-34 for his full message of loving care)
Philippians 4:6-9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
And in closing…
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (Read on through verse 10 for the Lord’s words on resisting the devil)
Blessings on you as you read his Word.
© 2017 Sarah Christmyer
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So good, Sarah!!! When I am standing in front of my closet wondering if I have just worn something “last Sunday” which I’m sure everyone in church takes note of what I am wearing — AND remembers!!! I remind myself that it’s not about “me” — it’s about the blessing I can be to that one who just needs a hug or word of encouragement! It works for me — and if it doesn’t work for them, they have to deal with that! People have been trying to “fix” me for years!!!😂 Love you!!!💞💞
A timely post, Sarah. Weddings, hurricanes, floods and fires. Is our God too small? Or does He in fact accomplish His purposes in all these distresses. God! May we hear YOUR voice of truth, peace and comfort!