A reflection on chapter ten of The Good & Beautiful Life
By Kate Mussat
It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I realized the damage that can be done to the human body from worry. One of my close friends went through a year of stomach pains and numerous x-rays, scopes, and doctor appointments only to find out that his stress and worry was the cause of his agony. Similarly, my grandmother has been a “worrier” all her life. She has had many ulcers in her life and other health issues which may have been caused and contributed to by worry.
Worry wounds us. I believe worry wounds not only our physical bodies, but our souls – both of which are very important to Jesus. Worry prevents us from deeper intimacy with Jesus because in worrying, we live in fear. Fear is the opposite of love, and God is love. When worry overtakes us, and fear consumes us, we take our eyes off God’s unchanging love for us.
We also begin to feel like somehow our worrying brings us in control of the situation. This false narrative has dominated my thoughts for far too long. I’ve been slowing learning that worry doesn’t change what will happen, but it definitely changes me. I become miserable in my own helplessness of the situation and less trusting of my Maker. I forget that the God of the universe is in control, cares deeply for me, and is out for my good.
I love the section in this chapter where Jim is describing Matthew 6:19-24. The question Jesus is asking us is, “If God provides for the smallest and most insignificant creatures (birds/flowers), don’t you think he can provide for you, his most precious and important creatures?” In God’s kingdom, we are cared for and his resources are abundant. Worrying puts me on the throne of my own life, helpless and limited. As a recovering worrier, I’ve discovered that I’d much rather trust in Jesus and live in his kingdom – experiencing freedom from my fear and healing for my wounded soul.