Photo credit: David Padfield
“Rejoice with me
because I have found my lost sheep.” –Luke 15:6
How often have
you heard someone say, “Don’t worry about it!” or “Worrying is a waste of time.”
Bob Marley sang “Don’t worry, be happy” and I saw a bumper sticker that read,
“Worry is an insult to God.”
But isn’t
worrying a valid emotion? Isn’t it proof that we care about someone?
When someone
we love is suffering, we feel upset; we want their troubles to go away. That’s
where the difference between worry
and concern comes in.
Worry is inert and focuses on “What if…”
If we were to illustrate ‘worrying’ we might draw a woman sitting in a chair
and wringing her hands. When we worry, our minds get filled with all kinds of
scenarios of what could go wrong. Worrying doesn’t solve anything because it’s
not action; it finds only more problems, not solutions.
Concern is based on the facts of the
situation, not the what-ifs. Also, when we’re concerned for someone, we’re
prompted to do something for them. We pray for them; we might not understand
how, but we trust that God hears our prayers and will act according to what’s
best for the person suffering. Depending on the circumstances, we may kindly voice
our concerns to the person involved and then listen to their response. Or, we
may ask what we can do for them. In whatever way appropriate, concern moves us
to take action.
In the
parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7), one from the flock had wandered off.
If the shepherd worried about it, he might have stayed with the herd and filled
his head with “What if” scenarios: “What if the sheep is hurt? What if it never
comes back? What if a wolf has gotten it?” Instead, his concern moved him to go
out and look for it, and his efforts paid off. He returned home with the entire
herd and threw a party to celebrate that the lost sheep had been found.
Have you
been worrying about something? Is there someone you care about who’s lost? Instead
of worrying, use your concern to think of some appropriate action to take. And
pray for the person suffering. Know that the God Who created them loves them
even more than you do and hears your prayers. Remember, too, that part of that
‘taking action’ also includes taking care of yourself during that difficult
time. Slow your breathing to help you stay calm. Write down your thoughts, feelings,
and prayers to help you gain clarity. List what you’re grateful for to steer
your thoughts away from what-ifs. Do some stretches to relieve stress. Confide
in a friend who will help you carry your burden. These will not only help you
feel better; they may lead to valuable insight.
“Lord, give me wisdom to know how to show my
concern for the people I love.”
Thank you for
reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell
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