Matthew 6:28-34 New Living Translation (NLT)

28 “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, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 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?

31“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

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

In these times of social distancing it seems like we are all alone. In the void, anxiety creeps in. There is a loss of control. Fear of the unknown can take its toll on our mindset. Yet, God’s word says not to fear, not to worry about what to eat, drink, or wear. We have a provider! We have a Heavenly Father, a protector and advocate who cares for our well-being!

Last week during homeschool time, we planted cucumber seeds. My grandkids love cucumbers, so I thought it would be fun to grow our own vegetables. As I was spending time with God this week, I noticed some anxiety had been creeping into myself, my daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren with whom we are quarantined. The adults have lost jobs, the kids are finding distance learning a challenge, and I try to keep calm, but often forget to call on my heavenly provider to intervene, and I try to do it in my own strength.

As we watered the little starter pots of cucumbers I thought about what I was growing in my home and in my spiritual life.  Am I growing anxiety and fear, or am I spending time in God’s word and growing faith? What am I feasting on? Internet content, TV, and social media can take up much of my time. If I am feasting and growing on this worldly content, the world’s anxiety is going to creep in.

I am going to make an effort to fill my mind with God’s word and to pray and talk to Jesus, rather than talking with people about what could go wrong. I struggle with control and love to plan and know how the future will go.  As I relinquish my control and anxiety to Jesus and water myself with his word, my faith, just like the cucumbers, will grow. My God will provide!

“As I relinquish my control and anxiety to Jesus and water myself with his word, my faith, just like the cucumbers, will grow. My God will provide!”