With the demise of Mad Magazine and it’s freckle-faced cover-boy, will his famous saying fall into disfavour? Perhaps his lazzier-faire attitude about worries already has.
Alfred E. Neumann seemed to feel that worrying had little value. There is an adage that says – “Worrying is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but, doesn’t get you anywhere.”
For many, worries have become a habit, a distraction from the real issue, which is FEAR. What are we so afraid of these days? We may have inherited certain fears and insecurities from our parents, especially if, like mine, they grew up during the Great Depression. Growing up in an atmosphere of LACK, instills in us a sense that there is “never enough”; enough food, clothing, opportunities or shelter.
Jesus speaks the words, “Be Not Afraid”, three-hundred & sixty-five times in the Bible. That’s once for each day of the year. His most famous illustration of a life free of fear and worry is found in Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV quoted) and verse 30 speaks clearly to the point. “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, Oh you of little faith?”
The most difficult challenge for many of us is to trust God, and His providence, implicitly. It’s really hard to let go of the idea that we are not in control of our lives. The very idea of letting go runs counter to words like – self-made man, pull yourself up by your won bootstraps; I’m sure we’ve all heard others too.
God’s abundance is truly unlimited and He generously provides that which we need, not necessarily what is merely a want – big difference but, that’s another story. All that is required is that we have faith, relax and listen for the still small voice above the noise of The World. To walk in this faith, is to decide to allow God’s hand to shape our day and use our eyes and ears to see God in all things and to discern what is for us and what is not. This will leave our minds uncluttered from worry and filled with the Peace that He has promised, along with the freedom to live life as He intended.
I speak from my own struggles, as I had turned to friends and associates for advice, counsel and comfort. At times, God chooses to speak to us through friends but most often a well meaning friend may try to help us “fix” ourselves or our problem. If we turn to God, in complete desperation and total abandonment in prayer we may find what we have been searching for; a whisper of encouragement to just put one foot in front of the other and do the very next thing He shows us. At a time when we are weary with worries, He will be with us to provide just what is needed at that moment. This is God’s promise for those who choose to follow Jesus.