Week 3 – PARABLES
Adding Water to Milk
– Karisa Stucker
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie Ten Boom
What is worry? In this unpredictable life, unfortunate circumstances that come up and cause thoughts and feelings of despair and worry. Jesus makes it very clear what we are to do when this happens with commands throughout the Scripture. First, let’s understand the meaning of “worry.” It comes from the Old English word wyrgan, which means:
“to strangle; to give away to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles, or (of a dog or other carnivorous animal) tear at, gnaw on, or drag around with teeth.”
Based on these definitions, worrying can be more vicious than we realize.
We were married young and had our first son almost two years later. Our lives had crossed many paths of uncertainty, struggles, and hardships; from lack of jobs and money to dysfunctional family stresses. At one point, we were waiting for a paycheck to arrive for three months. Worry set in on how we were going to eat and pay rent. Taking the days as they came, along with their problems, I decided to add water to our milk. Such a simple thing allowed us to have a few more cereal breakfasts. Also, our landlords were very forgiving. They let us pay them without repercussion once the check came. We did not go hungry, we had a safe place to sleep, and we knew Jesus was with us every step of the way. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you do not fear; I will help you.” Clinging to His promises and claiming them as truth will guide you through the journey Christ has in front of you. He WILL help you.
Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). Notice how He says “DO NOT” instead of try. How do we do this? Let’s look at the previous verse; “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
“All these things”; what things? “Therefore, do not worry saying, ‘what shall we eat?’ or ‘what shall we drink?’ or ‘what shall we wear?’ For all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:31-32). Notice the actions that we need to choose to do; stop worrying and seek Him first, and He will take care of the rest.
I can only imagine the worry and fear the disciples were experiencing as Jesus, their Beloved Master and Teacher, was preparing to ascend from the Mount of Olives into heaven. Jesus spoke these words to them, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). He knows us and has a compassionate and unfailing love for His children. Worry produces anxiety and harms our bodies with stress. If we find ourselves ever muttering the words, “I just don’t know what to do!” Yes, you do! Jesus is clear; do not worry, seek Him first, do not let your heart be troubled or afraid. Be filled with His peace and joy that gives strength.
In Jeremiah 29:11-13, notice the action words for you and His perfect promises:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
Whatever the circumstances, there is no NEED to worry. Make the choice to not let worry strangle your life. Jesus has got you and will give you His peace. He has a hope-filled plan for your life. All you need to do is seek Him, pray, and rest in His peace.