Do Not Worry

Jesus said to the twelve, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:16-22


Tomorrow I am heading home from Montana and returning home. There is another big snow storm bearing down on New England. It is hard to hear the words, "don't worry ", when you really want to get home. When everything is in upheaval and nothing seems reliable, it can be hard to hear those words. And the truth is, there is nothing that worry can really do to change the weather or the behavior of others. Wolves will still be wolves and weather will still surprise us.

Jesus was sending his disciples out with a promise. He promised that despite the real struggles they would face, the would also be supplied with what they would need. There will be words when needed, there will be strength when called upon, and the Spirit will be with us in every storm to come. We may tremble when the situation is strenuous and overwhelming but God will provide what we need in every circumstances. We are held securely in the palm of love's hands.

Today I ask God to give me peace and help me set aside all worry. May we put our energy in service and care and let worry go. May we trust that we carry the Holy Spirit and that same spirit will provide every need, moment by moment.