Worry is Wasteful

Coffee in hand, I make my way to the porch swing. As I open the door, I feel a cool breeze against my skin, and my senses come alive. The air is crisp and fresh. Dew is glistening as the sun rays peek over the trees ahead.

The world around me is still and quiet, except for the spider I spy spinning its web and the birds singing their sunrise songs. As I drift back and forth gently, the swing makes a faint creaking noise. I close my eyes, sip my coffee, and begin my morning prayers.

Tears start to flow softly as I give praise and thanks to God. I express my deep gratitude for all He has done. And I can’t help but continually say, “You provide, Lord, You always provide. And Your blessings are all around me.”

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

– 2 Corinthians 9:8

I watch as the spider continues to spin her web. It’s a daily task, and she does it without thought of what ifs or is this going to work out. The web catches her prey; she spins, it catches. But God sends the provision.

My view this morning

As I continue to listen to the birds sing, I’m reminded of the scriptures.

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

– Matthew 6:25-27

Some events of the past few months have tried to challenge my trust in Him; I refuse to give place to the enemy. His lurking self may be present as I partake of the table God has prepared for me…but he can’t take a seat. Therefore my trust in God remains.

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

– Psalm 91:2

I’ve watched my oldest son step out into the world, becoming a man. I can’t keep him safe with me as I once could. The childhood barriers have been removed, and he gravitates towards complete independence and providing for himself.

My “mama” heart hurts but is so proud simultaneously as he sets out for work each day. He has a long drive, and I continually pray a covering of protection over him. However, I stayed awake each night until he was safe at home; then, I could rest. Can anyone else feel that one?

I knew I couldn’t keep doing this. I put my trust in the Lord for this very reason. He loves my son more than I ever could. So now, I pray for God to protect my son as he drives home late each night and I sleep. I still awaken occasionally, but it’s not intentional. God is keeping my son…and God is keeping me.

This is just one of the moments when my trust in God had to be evaluated. I refuse to let satan take a seat at my table, yet still, he likes to talk from where he stands. His voice may reach my ears, but I can kick him out of my head! I ain’t got no time for the devil…

Worry is wasteful when you are a child of God. Waste of time, a waste of energy, and a waste of a sound mind. Time spent in fear should have been spent in prayer. So pray, get up, and trust that God is doing what He said He would do. Then…go to sleep.

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

– Matthew 10:29-31

More value than many sparrows. Yes, He keeps up with the number of hairs on your head. Why? I don’t know exactly, but that is just how much involved in our lives He is. Something seemingly so unimportant, yet our God makes a point to know.

He loves us more. More than many sparrows and more than lilies in a field. And spiders…he loves us more than spiders.

So no matter what your needs are or those of the ones you love, He knows. He not only knows, but He will provide. He always has, and He always will. He is faithful!