"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious 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: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these..." ~ Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
I sense a tug of war within believers.
We have a desire to do and be the person God made us to be, and do what He would have us do.
I’m all about that, don’t get me wrong.
But too, there is this verse and those who would say we humans, in our efforts and drive to make things happen we think should happen the way we think they should happen, are living outside of the natural way we were fearfully and wonderfully made. “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin…”
If we naturally blossom as does the lily, there is no stress, strain or anxiety therein. Yet, if we conduct ourselves moment by moment with diligence and excellence, ever endeavoring to be more, better, best; does that not seem contrary to the idea that if we fully trust God, there is a natural unfolding in store for each of us?
By the way, I am absolutely clear that what I just said stands in stark contrast to last week's post. But, I also think that's okay.
In truth, I’m certain that it is both, or a balance of the two is critical. Especially when our daily lives become the grind seemingly expected by our society/culture, it seems wise to take a moment and ponder the two extremes so that we might find the balance appropriate to the current season or moment of our lives.
As this day wanes, I'd like to suggest perhaps we take a deep breath, reach out to Him, and ask Him to help us strike the balance between working (and perhaps even striving) with diligence and excellence, sowing seed, uprooting weeds, harvesting when the crops come in; and with being willing to step back, appreciate the way we were made, the way our lives were crafted, and the natural unfolding He has in store for this day and this moment.
Blessings and balance to you this beautiful night.
May you feel and know and experience the natural growth, provision, and vitality He cultivated just for you, as you endeavor to complete with diligence the work you are here to do.
Thank You, Father, for taking us by the hand, for refining us, for helping us to walk in Your Will, Your Way, and Your Word. Amen.
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." ~ Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." ~ Psalms 25:9 (BSB)
"If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom." ~ James 3:13 (NLT)
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
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