Don’t Worry about Missing Out
Steve Bolie of Clive, IA, USA
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. -Matthew 6:33-34
Recently I was fretting (in other words, obsessing) and getting down-hearted about not being able to spend time with our grandchildren, ages 9, 12, 14, 14, and 18, during this important time in their development. We have been fortunate, and a little spoiled, that they all live within 30 minutes from our home. So not being close to them in this time of pandemic seemed like a huge loss. I also thought about not being able to volunteer to deliver food to homeless and recently homeless because of health risks.
That morning I read Matthew 6:33-34 from The Message. In these verses of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says, “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out” (emphasis added). My first reaction was something like, “Wow! Jesus said this two centuries ago just for me, for us, to read in this time of pandemic.” Amid all the concerns about the virus, high-positivity rates, death counts, and community spread, we can be assured that in our life with God we “don’t (need to) worry about missing out” on what is important.
My second reaction was: I must remember this promise and be comforted by it. This has been a nearly daily blessing. I have felt confronted, too, especially those days when I would have preferred to wallow in self-pity for a while. Even then, the promise breaks through, and I can move on. It is a frequent reminder that we can be at peace as we trust that God will provide and bless.
Prayer Phrase
“Practice Resurrection” (Wendell Berry).
Spiritual Practice
Breath Prayer
During this Easter season, we invite you daily into a breath prayer focused on resurrection. With each exhale, respond in a word or phrase to the question, “What is dying?” (fear, anger, assumptions, etc.) With each inhale, notice a response in a word or phrase to the question “What is rising?” (love, courage, trust, etc.) You may choose to use the same word or phrase throughout this season, or let each day bring its own unique response to this sacred pattern of dying and rising that is central to our faith.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
