From the rising of the sun to its going down
the Lord's name is to be praised!



Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Worry, Suffering and our Saviour who Wept

Have you ever feared to suffer? I know I have. Have you ever thought that worrying enough might just prevent bad things from happening? Foolish, I know. In reality worry can not prevent suffering and in fact it is sin. God is in control and we deny this when we worry. Matthew shows how futile it is by questioning “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”(6:31) In the Geneva study Bible the explanation on this verse informs us that the Greek word for stature can also be translated “life span”. So in other words, worrying will not extend our life in any way and in fact medical science proves that it can actually have adverse affects on our health! Go figure.

There is actually great relief in the instruction not to worry. After all, the burden of our future is not on us. We are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” (Matt 6:33a). Do you see the implication of this instruction?! It is incredibly beautiful. It leaves no reason for worry. When one is saved and made perfect by Jesus’ blood what on earth do we have to worry about?!

Matthew goes on to say, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (6:34) Our worries will not prevent or change how tomorrow will be, so leave it to God. He is big enough to get us through any suffering that life holds. His grace is sufficient.

Not only do we serve a God that is big enough, we serve a Saviour who knows pain. I have a friend who, when I unload about life’s frustrations, often says in a very compassionate voice “I get it”. It helps to know that we are not alone-that someone else has lived the same kind of pain. Well, Jesus ‘gets it’. When Jesus saw Mary and the people who were with her weeping because Lazarus had died, ‘He groaned in the spirit and was troubled’ (John 11:33) When the people were about to show Him where Lazarus was buried, ‘Jesus Wept' (John 11:35). Let the truth of Jesus suffering penetrate your heart and give you comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Jesus ‘gets it’.


Here's a link to a blog that displays the power and strength that God supplies in the darkest of valleys. You can click to the beginning of the story at the top left corner of the blog. http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

7 comments:

John Koopman said...

Thanks Mel, I needed that reminder!

Sue

Sylvia said...

Wow what timing! Here I know that and that's what I used to always tried to remember when I worry....but in the meantime have been worrying for the past 3 days!!!

Noordam's Blog said...

I needed to be reminded ALL the time - I always seem to be worried about something - thanks for the reminder :o)

Anita said...

Hey Mel, thanks for a great post. Last week I had so much peace resting in God's will, and early this week I fell into worrying again, only to have God in a very gracious and loving way remind me that He always provides! I am so thankful He never gives up on us, though we often do so foolishly give up on Him. Love ya and see you soon. We're leaving for Canada on Monday!

Mom Van Dyk said...

Jesus, when he was at Mary and Martha's house was confronted by an angry Martha who was so busy doing what she thought was right, and Mary wasn't there to help her. Yet Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, yet Mary has chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her!" Oh, to be like Mary when all you can see is what still needs to be done!

Mom Van Dyk said...

Jesus, when he was at Mary and Martha's house was confronted by an angry Martha who was so busy doing what she thought was right, and Mary wasn't there to help her. Yet Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, yet Mary has chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her!" Oh, to be like Mary when all you can see is what still needs to be done!

Anonymous said...

Great post Mel! Thanks for reminding us of where our focus should be.