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Do you STEW? I do.
To clarify, I don’t mean a crock pot filled with stewing beef, potatoes, and carrots. I’m referring to the tried and true human condition of good old-fashioned worry. We all do it. For me, it’s waking up in the middle of the night as my brain churns through a myriad of thoughts, ongoing concerns, prayer requests and unresolved daily life issues. And at 3 a.m.—such an over-active brain does little for one’s beauty sleep!
Let me ask you this; if you believe in Jesus Christ, do you still worry about your life? Yup, I do that, too. I’ll admit that I have trust issues and spend too much time stewing over things I’ve already prayed about—even when the bible tells me emphatically not to fret, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
As I laid in bed a few nights ago and tried to go back to sleep, I welcomed the distraction of a far-off train repeatedly blowing its whistle. As I prayed between clumps of meddling, sleep-depriving thoughts, I suddenly became aware of one indelible fact. In the grand scheme of my life—Nothing else matters but the relationship I have with my heavenly Father.
My point is this. I know that as human beings, we often spend our time in states of full-blown panic. Now read the verse that immediately follows Philippians 4:6. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. He will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NLT)
What’s the takeaway? Simply this: No amount of stewing or fussing or anxiety-laced thought will change the nugget of truth that Jesus is all that matters! Everything in the universe is about Jesus. God expressed His love for us through His only-begotten Son, Jesus. This means we can experience a peace in our lives that we can’t comprehend if only we’d place our stew pot of worries in His capable, healing hands. So, the next time you find yourself drowning in a cauldron of heebie-jeebies, pacify your thoughts by allowing Jesus to calm your heart and soul. You might just find yourself sleeping better, and if you’re like me, resting in Jesus is truly all that matters!
Paul Smyth
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