EquippedMama

Hello there, Mamas.

I hope that you are safe and warm during this uncharacteristically cold winter! Here in central Texas we are not used to the arctic blast that hit our state, and all morning long there has been a flurry of texts between friends and family checking on everyone’s water and power. We have a cow ready to deliver her calf any day and a pipe that has already succumbed to the cold. Most of the night, my husband was up monitoring faucets and making sure the house wasn’t too badly damaged by the bitter cold.

Days like today remind me just how little control we truly have over our lives. We hold onto a false sense of security when the world around us is free from impending disaster. But when we are faced with things we can in no way control, we are left with a sobering reminder of just how dependent we are upon the Lord and upon others.

Out my front window, a congregation of small birds have gathered, quickly devouring our stockpile of seeds. One male cardinal with his striking plumage, two female cardinals, a host of sparrows, and a tufted titmouse have distracted me from wistfully hoping for a hasty thaw. Watching these birds reminded me of Jesus’ sermon on the mount where He said,

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are?”

Matthew 6:25-26 NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Isn’t it amazing to remember that the God of the universe knows about and cares for the little birds on my front porch? He is well aware of the damage of our winter storm, as well as the continuing havoc the pandemic continues to wreak. And in His teaching on worry, Jesus tells His followers not to be consumed with the basics.

What are the reasons for living free from worry? The Lord knows about our needs (Matthew 6:32) and the Lord values our lives (Matthew 6:26). Does this give you hope in the midst of an unexpected challenge in your life? Does it make a difference in how you react to a situation in which you did not want to find yourself?

It should. Jesus continues his teaching on worry explaining the futility of this exercise and the faithfulness with which God provides (Matthew 6:27-30) and then offers a contrast for believers.

So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’  For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Matthew 6:31-33 NET Bible

Can we as Christian Mamas respond to the inconveniences (and even disasters) of this season with a Kingdom focus? As we deal with frozen pipes and cabin-fever crazed kiddos, can we respond with a heart that seeks God’s righteousness? This should result in thanks to the Lord for His promised care of you, and a heart that is settled, regardless the outcome.

Take a moment today to stop and think about that precious truth: the Lord cares for you.