Words from the Rock
Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
Matthew 6:27–30 Message
Do you suppose there’s a reason Jesus continues to talk about not worrying? Do you think he suspects it might take hearing all this a time or two, or ten thousand, before you get it?
This time he’s talking about flowers and how lovely they look—delicate wildflowers, which are sometimes here today and gone tomorrow. Yet he describes them as if they were royalty. Then he points out that you are much more important to God than flowers. So why wouldn’t God want you to look great too? That’s kind of reassuring. Especially if you like looking nice. You see, God wants you to look nice too!
But here’s the deal. He doesn’t want you to obsess over your looks. He doesn’t want you to fret over your clothing. He doesn’t want you to stay up late at night trying to decide what to wear the next day. He wants you to just relax. Give yourself a break. Instead of worrying, why not spend time with God? Why not tell him about what’s troubling you and ask for his advice? He might even have a fashion tip or two to share. The main thing is to quit worrying. Worrying won’t change anything. Give your cares and concerns to God, and who knows? Maybe you’ll avoid a few worry wrinkles or frown lines.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I admit that I do worry about my appearance and how I’m dressed. But I want to let it go. I want to just relax. And to do that, I know I have to trust you. Show me how to turn my cares over to you. Thanks!
Amen.
Final Word
I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NIV
Stone for the Journey
I will trust God to give me what I need—even when it comes to clothes.