Consider the Lilies

"Consider how the lilies grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

Luke 12:27-31

Today's random ramblings are, once again, on anxiety and worry.  As college acceptances come flowing in, and other things, like financial aid and relationships, come into play it's hard to have a peaceful spirit about it all.  The last few months have been such a roller coaster, and I've never known what to expect next.  I hope that I lot of the back-and-forth will die down soon, but again, who knows.  However, I know that God has a plan for it all, so I'm not entirely worried.  I'm ready to know where I'm going, of course, but I've seen that he's beginning to guide me to an answer.

Whether it's Furman, or Liberty, or even Duke, God's got me.

But, instead of dwelling on my own problems and worries, as I often tend to do, I now turn back to scripture.

I think God uses the example of the lilies for several reasons.  First off, they have such a natural, wholesome beauty.  God took the time and care to ensure that even the least would be perfection.  Also, flowers are powerless to help themselves, nor do they need to.  They don't sit and worry about if God will provide for their needs, and he still does.

Lastly, and likely most importantly, flowers are such a small (seemingly meaningless) party of life.  They clothe the ground.  They are the least.  If God can take care of the least, then surely he can provide for his most treasured creation.

God even acknowledges the fast that he knows that we need these things!  He knows that we need food, and water, and shelter, and clothing.  He is not discounting our needs, not at all.  Instead, he wants us to trust that he will provide, rather than sit and worry.

College is no different.  If God can make the flowers and the grass grow, surely he can take care of me at college, no matter what decision I make.

And the closing verse of this selection of scripture is a promise.  It closely mirrors Matthew 6:33, and, very simply put, says to seek God, and the rest is covered.  Put him first, and he will provide.

And never once have God's promises been untrue.  He's made some pretty big prophecies, and they've all come true.  If he can raise himself from the dead, surely he can provide for the simplest of our needs.

His promises are pretty comforting.