Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
MATTHEW 6:25 | 25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
PHILIPPIANS 3:19 | 19 Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.
A good deal of worry is over secondary things. Clothes and food are both necessities and blessings, a source of enjoyment and gratitude. We can signal respect with our modes of dress, and express love and hospitality with our meals. But both food and clothing can turn into obsessions and generate worry.
My mom grew up on a farm in the depression. She hated spending money on herself and in particular, buying clothes. She was a great cook with simple ingredients. But when we entertained, this deeply trusting and prayerful person became anxious. Guests loved coming, and largely because of her lovely way with them. But she would get migraine headaches not wanting to “let down the side” with the professors and elegant executives who were coming to dine. Life is more than food and clothing, Jesus says, so whether our obsession is personal or social, we must let go of it.
Do you ever worry about things of lesser importance?
Gracious God,
Take away our social anxiety. Help us rest in You and be free to enjoy others without worry.
Amen.
