Worry and Worship

Last night my wife shared a story with me that nearly brought tears to my eyes and moved my heart in awe of the greatness of God. A friend of ours here at church received an incredible Christmas gift from her first grade students and parents. Her family has been struggling financially for nearly a year due to the down economy and the nature of her husbands job. They are facing numerous overdue bills and recently were told that their daughter could not return to college next semester until her outstanding bill was paid. They had little hope and fewer prospects of raising the necessary money to enable her to return for a spring semester. She never shared the specific need with anyone, but simply prayed and trusted God to provide. The Monday before Christmas she hosted a party for her class of twenty-four first grade students. Uninvited, all the parents showed up at the end of the party and expressed their gratefulness for her investment in their children's lives and confessed that a candle or bracelet just didn't seem appropriate this year. They knew her family had a need, but they had no idea of the timing or significance of what they were about to do. They presented her with a cash gift that far exceeded any generous expectation. That night her family rejoiced, wept, and worshiped together as they basked in the glorious power and provision of God.

I am reminded of how quickly I worry about seemingly insurmountable obstacles and how hesitant I am to simply stop and worship God for His sovereignty and pray expectantly for whatever provision He chooses to bless me with. Janelle and I have experienced similar blessings in our short life together and we, like this family, have saved a copy of the check as a reminder of God's provision in our lives. How seemingly insignificant our worries seem when we experience God in such a unique way. My prayer is that I would always view my worries with that kind of insignificance as I worship and meditate upon the power and provision of God.