From: David Watts
I sometimes ask my clients to log their thoughts and find if they mainly live in the past, present, or future, and if this could contribute to their anxiety or depression. Psychobabble would have us stay in the present (as wonderfully depicted in Spencer Johnson’s little book, The Precious Present) and that is good little morsel of truth. But we’ve got the full cookie right here, y’all, in Matthew’s text. We have a Father. Who knows. Who knows! Whatever it is, he knows! (Local artist on the rise Kaiti Jones wonderfully captures this in her song God Knows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYdcDkOsMYA). He knows what’s going on with you, more so in his Son, he’s experienced it, too, and takes it to the Father on our behalf. Even more so, the Spirit lives and moves in you, unearthing all your needs, desires, hurts, pains, and transports them to God. “Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5.7
So what are we left to do knowing our life is taken care of? Play? That’s the answer the world gives. And that’s cute for a bit. Work? Another answer, another let down. How about seek? This isn’t a blind endless seeking like eastern religions would posit—the Christian walk is a full-orbed, Spirit-infused pilgrimage to Zion, marching with our battle buddies, singing the peaceful songs of our country, blessing others along the way, and inviting them join. If you have nothing truly to worry about, you’re finally free to join the mission of God. Being about our Father’s business makes every day an opportunity, every moment one to fully experience, and every person, every relationship more than “special,” but sacred. Jesus kicks down the walls of the past and the future, not leaving us suspended in the present, but reminding us we are held in our Father’s hands. Stop worrying and fully enjoy God in your life by walking in his ways with his people. And that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
Sinner saved by grace! Chaplain and counseling intern, Navy Vet, from Maryland.