Worry
Matthew 6:24-33 Feast of Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, 687
I try not to spend any time worrying about things. That statement is a goal of mine, one that I have not yet achieved. Let’s be honest, there’s plenty to worry about in our lives. And, while we’re being honest, let’s admit that we’re probably even pretty good at this oft-practiced state of mind. When we worry we show concern about an unknown outcome, and indeed worry is bred from uncertainty. Jesus tells us not to worry about things–even the most basic and essential elements of our existence: our bodies, our lives, what we’ll eat or drink or wear. Jesus goes on to say, “And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (Matthew 6:27) Worrying is, in the end, a fruitless task and keeps us away from the truth that we are God’s beloved. Our worry shows that we do not believe that we are so very precious, so loved, so important so special to God. And God loves us unceasingly, even if we “are of little faith.” (Matthew 6:30). What would happen if we gave our worries over to God? What would happen if we said, “OK, God. I am worried about_______, but I know that you love me, so I am going to give my worry over to you and I’m going to try to stop worrying.” For today, do something different: prayerfully ask God to remove the worry and to find a solution for whatever we are worried about. Let God handle our worry, and let us remember that we are so very loved by God.
In the name of Christ,
The Daily Cup 
One can worry because one is not loved because one is blemished–ill, bad. But what about the others who do not love? Are they all not blemished, ill and bad? Is it true that one blemished or ill human being exists and others are stainless steel Barbie dolls? God accepts only human beings, blemished and ill NOT stainless steel dolls. He will say to those who dine sumptuously, have you never felt hunger? To those who wear beautiful clothing, have you never been ragged? To those who are loved and admired, have you never been lonely and afraid? Worry is a kind of blemish. I don’t think Jesus condemns those who worry. Didn’t He worry or anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane? He wanted to reassure us that we are loved by HIM despite our illnesses and blemishes. He wanted to say to us: You are true hearted and the world of men has made you worried and sick.