Roller Coaster Worry
By Lisa Boyer
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34
This past summer, I spent a day at Six Flags Great America with the church youth group. While waiting in line for Virtual Velocity (V2), I was entertained by the lady in line behind me. She was scared. Maybe a little more than scared… terrified! So in an effort to calm her concerns, I timed the ride. I then attempted to comfort her with the news that the ride would last less than one minute of her life: 47 seconds, to be exact. But it didn’t work. Ultimately, we waited 49 minutes to ride V2 and most of that time, she spent worrying. By Lisa Boyer
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34
Yes, I found her entertaining… but then I realized that I tend to behave the same way. Not over a roller coaster ride, but over things even less worthy of concern - things that will never happen, things that may happen, and unavoidable things that will happen. I’ve done my share of worrying for 49 minutes about 47 seconds…and it’s never helped!
I imagine that’s why Jesus makes it so clear that we are not to worry. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us “do not worry about your life” and then gives us a detailed list of things that we shouldn’t worry about and why.
In Matthew 6:27, Jesus interrupts the list with a simple question: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Not only do we not add to our lives, each moment we spend worrying is a moment lost forever.
Jesus continues with the list, pointing out that worrying demonstrates a lack of faith. He then concludes in verse 33 with what we are to do instead of worrying: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” What kind of difference would it make in our lives, and the lives of those around us, if we tried seeking His kingdom and His righteousness instead of worrying?
Worrying for 49 minutes about 47 seconds will always be futile. And so much can be done in 49 minutes when it comes to His kingdom: 49 minutes of kindness… 49 minutes of encouragement… 49 minutes of intercessory prayer… 49 minutes of goodness… 49 minutes of loving… 49 minutes of fellowship with Him… 49 minutes of….
So how will you spend your 49 minutes?
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you tend to spend time worrying? Today, will you begin to spend that time seeking His kingdom and His righteousness instead?
FURTHER READING:
Luke 12:22-31; Philippians 4:6-7; 2 Peter 1:3-6
Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for a Junior High girls’ small group at Oakwood Church.
