Faith Dance - Meditations about Spirituality, Faith, Religion, God, Established church, Christianity, Journals, Reflections, Meditations, FaithDance.com, Faith Dance.com, Mid-Life Crisis

Meditation 14: Matthew 6:25-26 (worry)

8/25/2009 8:03:44 PM

[Jesus said] “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather grain into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25-26

This is a good passage to ponder, especially with the state of the economy. Who isn’t worrying about how to pay the bills, put food on the table, and ensure a secure future. Even for those who have plenty, there is always an element of uncertainty about whether that plenty will continue to exist.

Basically, this passage asks us about trust. Will we focus so much of our energy and passion on existing at a physical level that we neglect the spiritual? Do we honestly believe that God provides what we need? And if we have what we need, what about all those others who do not? We are too well aware that in times of crisis, we tend to focus inwardly, on ourselves and ‘our own’ while our compassion for those outside our circle wanes.

We know that one major way God makes divine love and care known is through others, and it goes far deeper than how we treat one another—if we’re courteous and contribute to the poor. First and foremost is the intention behind the act. If I make a donation solely to have a good deduction on my income tax, then I have my own good at heart. Instead of an offering of gratitude for what I have, it becomes a means to further help myself.

I found myself doing this in a slightly different way the other day. Currently, I work as a hospice chaplain. I realized I was becoming tired and questioning whether what I do makes any difference. As I prayed about this, I felt a gentle correction. Like many others, the economy had become a big part of each day. It may not have entirely taken over the day, but it was always there in a corner, making itself known and stirring concern.

Because of that, my focus had shifted from the people I visit to making certain I put in enough hours to earn adequate pay. When that happened, not only did I lose the joy and meaning of what I do, I also lost my energy. Rather than being fulfilling and energizing even on a long and tiring day, my work became draining, a burden, something to get through.

One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves in this life is: “How do I use my creative energy in this world? Do I seek to serve only myself, or do I surrender all that I am to become a channel of grace, healing and service however God directs?”

Intention alone is a powerful thing. Combine it with a desire to serve as a channel of grace, and whatever it is we do has tremendous effect in this world, whether or not we can see it. When I am at my best, I work to help provide for our family with a profound sense of gratitude for the work I have. Then, I also seek to be fully present with those I serve, to be a visible sign of God’s compassionate presence.

When that is my intention, Divine love and power are poured into my life and amazing things take place. Concerns about my own life are put in perspective and I’m not as driven or anxious.

Gracious God, before the need is in my heart, you are already pouring yourself into my life. Your Presence, the greatest gift I have, touches my worry and transforms it with gentle love and hope. Make my life a testimony to your grace; let your compassion come fully to life within me as I offer the gift of myself to this hurting world. Amen.