Lifelines:
Imagine a life free of anxiety and stress. Seems impossible, does it not? Worry is simply a fact of life, or is it? Actually, it does not have to be. In fact, it is in violation of Biblical teaching (Philippians 4:6). Jesus said not to worry about this life (Matt. 6:25). So, why do we? Think about the source of our tossing and turning. What caused our insomnia a year ago? Five years ago? What became of those things, if we can even remember what they were? Fretting is among our most useless activities.
Consider the God Who loves us. Everything that we can see, He created by word of mouth in six days. In less than a week He spoke into existence the sun, moon, stars, animals, birds and fish. He took a hands-on approach to form humanity. We are the crowning achievement of His incredible creativity. “Very good,” He declared when it was all said and done (Genesis 1:31).
He knows us inside out (Psalm 139:1-6). He is aware of our every step. His mind examines ours. Our thoughts reverberate in His head. Our words echo in His ears before we ever say them. The all-powerful Lord of heaven and earth not only knows exactly what is going on with us but also what we need (Matt. 6:8). Couple His intimate knowledge of us and our necessities with His omnipotent capacity to provide, and worry is exposed as a really silly expenditure of energy.
If we have any doubt as to the extent of the concern that the Lord has for people, look to the cross. Think on that. In our dreadfully pitiful state of helplessness in the guilt of our sin, He sent His Son. He loves you and me that much. The all-knowing, all-powerful God has taken direct aim at sinful people as the targets of His perfect love. He spared nothing, not even His holy Son, to retrieve us from the trash heap. Now, what was that we were fretting about?
Today is Prodigal Son-day, a time to look deep within to see where we are on our journey into eternity. The immense love of the infinite God makes it possible for us to come home, even from the pigpen. An honest assessment might reveal a little prodigality within each of us, a heart that has begun to stray away from a Father who cares more than we can understand. Perhaps we are at a great distance, one that seems impossible to overcome. It is not. Wherever we are, His eyes are scanning the horizon in hopeful anticipation of one more sinner coming home. He has the banquet ready. Stop worrying and come home. Let the celebration begin.