How is your worry level today?
While some of us can pass a blood pressure test, if we added a sleeping well test, and a worry-o-meter test (I thought I made that up but there is one out there), my guess is that most of us would end up with results that are, well, worrying.
We could talk about all of the situations in life and our modern context that make us more worried than ever before. We could make a competition out of who has lived during the most worrying times in history. Yet, if we look to our scripture for this week from Luke 12:13-31, especially the second half, we find Jesus speaking directly to this feeling. Regardless of the personal, daily, and world events around us, we as human beings are worriers. I always thought it came from the Allen side of my family, but Jesus’ words in this passage remind me that worry is far more universal than that.
Not only does Jesus name our tendency to worry about everything, he also gives us tools to counter worry that are time tested. Thankfully, this is a wonderful time of year to practice them!
When you start to worry, he says, go to a place where you can see and hear the birds. Open a window. Work outside at a coffee shop and drop a few crumbs from your scone on the ground. Look up into the sky. Take time to see the birds and it will help you see everything differently. Remember that you are even more valuable to God than the birds. Remember that you can trust God.
When you start to worry, he says, go outside and look around. Notice the world around you. There are flowers in bloom everywhere—daisies, coneflowers, hydrangeas, roses. Even the fields are filled with weeds that are blooming and helping the pollinators to thrive. Look at the gardens. Go to a farmers market. Everything is in season! Blackberries and blueberries, peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers and the first ears of corn. Take a minute to enjoy, to savor, to realize that God provides for us in these small and magnificent ways.
Take a walk in a garden or in the woods. Studies have shown consistently that being in nature reduces stress and increases wellbeing. The American Heart Association’s website tells us that it can help in “reducing anger, fear, stress and anxiety and improves your mood, boosts feelings of happiness, and wellbeing.”
We can trust the Heart Association and this body of research, but we know it’s not new. Jesus already invited us to do these things long ago—watch the birds, notice the flowers, walk through the forests and the grassy fields. And as you do, take a step back and gain perspective. Let go of the worry and the need for control that doesn’t help anyone. Know that you can trust God. Know that God provides and that God wants to give you that which is more profound than anything you might be worrying about today—the Kingdom of God with treasures that are eternal.
This week, as we consider how we can be transformed by trusting God’s values, I invite you to consider how what you are worried and anxious about reflects what you value. Then, remember Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” and go for a walk, listen to the birds, and enjoy a slice or two of just picked tomatoes and cucumbers with your dinner. (Luke 12:32)
I look forward to seeing you for worship this weekend!
Peace and hope,
Pastor Suzanne