Matthew 6:26-34 (NLT) reads:

Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve struggled feeling worthy most of my life. One of the biggest lies I tell myself is I do not deserve it, any of it. Truthfully, however, none of us are worthy. Although I’m logical (mostly) and can read and understand text, I get into the DNA of it all, or believing that these things “do not apply” to me or my situation.

That’s not really true, and the good news is it’s not true for you, either. I’ve had these verses on my mind lately. A lot. Let me explain.

I didn’t really realize it until recently, but for the lack of a better word, my family and I were homeless for 4 days last year. We had moved across the country without jobs and without a true landing spot. We didn’t have a residence. But, what we did have and continue to have is faith.

 

While Knoxville was not my first choice (in fact, it was near the bottom of choices if I’m being really honest), things have worked out. My wife began work soon; my children adjusted and have done well at school; we met lots of new people; we found a great church; I eventually landed at a great job. More importantly, we have seen evidence of God at work again and again. We have been closer to family. We have reconciled with family. Although in my mind I was kicking, screaming, whining, and complaining about moving to Knoxville, I know it was the right thing to do. The evidence has been present again and again. I am thankful for my wife for believing it before I did.

I may be a counselor, but let me be crystal clear with you: God is the true change agent. I know in my own life I have changed from how I used to act, things I used to do. I’m so grateful.

Recently, my son accidentally spilled hot cocoa on my laptop, a laptop that I spent probably two weeks researching and considering before purchasing. So although it was not even two years old, it met an early death. Check this out, though—my hard drive was fine! That means, all of the data was fine and intact even when the motherboard was fried. (Chocolate and computer innards do not mix well.) This event was challenging for several reasons.

First, my son felt terribly about it. He was really distraught and contacted my wife, informing her what happened. Thankfully, I did not react as I might have years ago. Upset, yes. Angry with him, no. And that’s not due to me or changes in my behavior that I led or orchestrated. No, no—that’s simply due to the work that God continues to do in me. Thank God!

We have not recovered financially from the move or from me being out of work for months (keep this in mind because there’s more). Replacing the computer has not been an option. Not even close.

Why do we worry? Why do I worry? I never considered this before recently when I heard a great interview, but when we worry or complain, we’re dealing with pride. I think it’s easy to see pride manifest itself when we see arrogance. For me at least, it’s harder for me to see pride show itself when we’re dealing with feeling unworthy and undeserving. An impactful sermon I watched dealt with “enduring suffering.” (I highly recommend watching it.) It hit me hard because I’m a complainer. When I complain, I place the glory intended for God on myself. Do I do that intentionally? Of course not, but that’s what happens.

Again, I’m so grateful for my wife—who is drastically different than I am in almost every way, and I thank God for her and for that! When I’m spiraling with self-doubt and feeling undeserving and unworthy, she helps me stop and reprioritize. We pray and refocus. Fortunately, if she’s low, then usually I’m not and vice versa. We balance each other.

Reread the introductory Scriptures and see if you determine how pride has seeped into your life and taken over. The truly hurtful thing about pride is we choose self over Savior. It’s not intentional usually. But, what we’re doing ultimately is choosing “me and my ways” over Him and His.

So, I’m saying we were homeless not to be dramatic. I want to show you what has happened. After those four days, my wife found work, good work with great benefits. Her job opened us up to attain housing. As soon as we were settled, we found a church. The first day we entered the parking lot, we saw a license plate from an area of Montana we knew well. We met people from areas of the country where friends (our former pastor from Montana) lived before. These are not “little” things. By not working, I was able to attend a men’s group where I met some great brothers in Christ. Those guys blessed and continue to bless me. I’ve been able to write here at www.christledleadership.com monthly. When I was not working, I was able to stay positive for the most part. We’ve had near strangers (at the time) bless our socks off with gifts and help over and over again. These things reassured us we were and are exactly where God needs us to be. Thank and praise God—we never were behind on our bills. We’ve had friends-who-are-family and family too bless us as well. When I needed God to intervene, we prayed and He intervened by blessing me with great opportunity for a job. I had to turn down a sure thing for that opportunity, but I eventually got that great job and get to work with people who appreciate me while doing the kind of counseling I really enjoy. God continues to put people in our lives who show us daily the face of God. I see Christ when I think of and look at them. Although my computer died, I was gifted a new one, and folks, it’s better than I could have imagined, and I didn’t even have to spend two weeks looking over every detail to get the best value. We went from being without a residence to closing on our house April 13^th, which is a mini-anniversary of sorts because my wife and I were married on a Friday the 13^th.

All that to say, “Praise the Lord!”

The next time you’re down on yourself and your situation, remind yourself that you are more valuable than birds. Worry and self-deprecating thoughts and behaviors only glorify ourselves, not Jesus. We are made to glorify Him. We are worthy not because of anything we have done, but because of everything that He has done for us. We are made new in Him. We are worthy because He is worthy, and He lives inside us. And God…God is worthy of our praise.

 

#worry #doubt #worthy #Jesus #Christ #JesusChrist #PraiseTheLord

© Dr. Jason Newcomb 2018