Why Worry?
One of the areas I serve in at church is with the 3, 4 & 5 year olds and our current theme is “God is in control of everything.” This past Sunday I asked them how do they know that we can trust God being in control of everything? We talked about Him being kind, how much He loves us, and He would never do anything to hurt us.
It has stayed with me because I wonder how much I live that out in my life. Do I really trust Him to be in control of ALL the things I am concerned about? I sat down and wrote out a llooonnnggg list of everything and it ranged from small to I-have-no-idea-how-this-is-going-to-work-out. It included dreams and hopes, disappointments and unknowns.
Can you relate at all? Life can be overwhelming with all the moving parts and yet God promises to be there for us and to trust Him.
He tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
That word anxiety means soul-dividing problems.
The word care speaks of being cared for, paying close attention to and having interest in.
God tells us to give Him all the things that is keeping us up at night or ripping our heart apart. I have been loving the picture of God as a Shepherd. How the shepherds protect and care for the sheep and the sheep know the sound of his voice because of his constant closeness to them.
“ He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart…”
Isaiah 40:11a
I picture Him kneeling down to get eye to eye with me, like I do in class or with my grand kiddos, so I can hear them better and they know they have my undivided attention. No matter how silly my fear may be or the questions I ask, He is there. Maybe He chuckles a little because He knows something I don’t and wants me to know it will be ok. And just like my kiddos who just want to be heard and reassured, He listens and says, “Yes, I get that. BUT I am…”
Don’t you just love that He is exactly who we need Him to be at that moment?! He is:
El Shaddai = Lord God Almighty
El Elyon = The Most High God
Adonai = Lord, Master
Yahweh = Lord, Jehovah
Jehovah Nissi = The Lord My Banner
Jehovah Raah = The Lord My Shepherd
Jehovah Rapha = The Lord That Heals
Jehovah Shammah = The Lord Is There
Jehovah Tsidkenu = The Lord Our Righteousness
Jehovah Mekoddishkem = The Lord Who Sanctifies You
El Olam = The Everlasting God
Elohim = God
Qanna = Jealous
Jehovah Jireh = The Lord Will Provide
Jehovah Shalom = The Lord Is Peace
Jehovah Sabaoth = The Lord Of Hosts
El Roi = The God Who Sees Me
As we get ready for this holiday season, may we remember and be grateful for a God that is in control of everything. AND we can trust Him because He is not mean or will do things to hurt us, but is kind and loving towards us.
So, whatever you are facing or who is coming over for dinner or whom you are missing, know - take a deep breath and know in your heart, that you belong to Him and He is faithful!
You are welcomed at His table, Child of God!
Have an wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
Have a great week!
All My Love ~
Jodi xo
You can join our email family by subscribing below. xo