He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit[a] to his height? If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. (Luke 12: 22-32 WEB)
Constant, frantic warnings filled the airwaves. Weather maps with colorful lines showed the approaching hurricane’s possible path. For several days, the relentless forecasts dominated the news.
They admonished us to prepare for the hurricane by purchasing batteries, water, medications, and food. Put important papers in plastic bags. Fill cars with gas. My mind shut them off their admonitions.
Even though the hype continued, the weather forecasters admitted that wind speeds dropped. The horrible storm was no longer even a hurricane and barely a tropical storm. However, many people felt panic at what might happen.
The storm proceeded up from the Caribbean and close to Florida. Its path shifted back and forth. Coming toward our area and then not coming. What were we to believe? Instead of being afraid, I turned off the TV and went about my life.
Only when my brother texted from Georgia about the storm, did I check the weather report again. At that time, it was again headed my way.
The following day I stayed home and waited for the storm. Thankfully, my neighborhood received no downpours or blustery winds. Only a little rain came our way. Days of worry for nothing.
A few days later, summer thunderstorms resumed with a vengeance. With little warning, the storm hit. Rain swept across my patio. Trees by the lake whipped wildly in the gusts. Hail beat against my windows.
Dark clouds brought evening early. With the ferocious gales whipping around my house, I kept looking outside from one window to another. Then I gathered candles and matches in case the electricity went off.
For a few days, thunderstorms rocked the area. Those normal, summer storms produced more rain, wind and hail than the much publicized possible hurricane.
The anticipated hurricane caused worry and anxiety but no catastrophe for my part of the state. Often people anguish over big tragedies that never occur.
Then we can be hit with unexpected adversities on a smaller scale but no less harmful. Being prepared for emergencies is advantageous whether large or small. But trusting God can eliminate panic and desperation. He stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee and can still our storms too.
Loving Father, still our minds and hearts. Help us seek you instead of worrying about possible storms. Amen
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