Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. . .  Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Matthew 6:25-34

I am a world-class worrier by nature, even though I know that’s not a faithful way to be. Often my worries are unjustified, but sometimes they are completely legitimate concerns about the usual things that we all fret about: kids, money, spouses, jobs, health, an aging parent, etc.  Sometimes I even kind of like my own worrying, because I think it forces me to take action, to get going and make things that need to happen, happen. And yes, there is an arrogance in that way of thinking. It puts ME totally in charge of things.

Is this what God wants from us? Probably not. I do believe very firmly that God gives us a brain and agency and expects us to use them wisely. (There is some old joke about a guy in a flood. A man goes by in a boat and offers to take him to safety, but the first guy says, “No, I’m trusting in God.” Another guy goes by on a big log—the first guy, “No, I’m trusting in God.” Finally a third man goes floating by on a tire and tries to help, but the first guy says, “No, I’m trusting in God.” He drowns and goes to Heaven. First thing, he asks God,” Why didn’t you save me?” And God says, “Well, I sent you the man in the boat, and the guy on the log and. . .).  I very much believe that God gave us good sense and gifts and he means for us to use them as we move through our lives. But He doesn’t mean us to make our way alone (because we can’t)—we are entirely dependent on His care for us, and the way that is interwoven through our interactions with others through His grace.

So. . consider those lilies. They are not in that field all by themselves. They are not alone, trying to do it all on their own.  So please remind me of this from time to time, so I will stop worrying so much!