Not sure how you grew up, but me... I'll bet I was well into my teens before 'the future' really crossed my mind. Sure, I worried about attending an upcoming concert, the weekend camping trip, maybe even a hint of a concern about the weather for a vacation trip. Otherwise, I don't recall being all too worried about 'where' dinner was coming from, let alone who was making it, not to mention where those ingredients were coming from. As I've aged... not so much! Retirement, Investment Strategies, Conservation, Vacation or Days Off Planning... and small flurry of other 'worries' about a career, these devotionals, my family and their healthy, safety and security... all engulf my heart, mind and soul... challenging my peace, threatening my calm, almost demanding I give them more time and consideration. That's what adults do, right?
Then, I remember those pesky little ants out there in the yard where the grass won't grow... or those chirping sparrows nesting all around, flittering and fluttering, their droppings strategically placed on our cars, the lawn furniture, and even on us once in a while! They seem really carefree and unconcerned about the bigger picture of their lives. I don't envy them aside from the Lord's promise to us, in Luke 12:22 (click that link to read all four verses) wherein He reminds how they do all things in their lives and God sees to their daily needs; provided for their 'today' ON that day!
Well, Deuteronomy 31:6 states; "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.", which is just what I need to settle my soul and ground me, center me, and calm my fears.
It is so very hard to be ant-like... working hard, diligent, studious, dedicated... and not be somewhat concerned or at least considerate of tomorrow's potential (bad or good).
I really must be somewhat prepared for each day, responsible for the longer plan of life in this society. We are 'taught' to plan, to consider, in many ways, to 'worry' about so many things. The marketing barrage of 'potential doom' motivates us through our fear, our lack of faith/trust in the Lord, our weakness for Fancy Pants things, gadgets, creature comforts. But, 2 Corinthians 10:5 actually admonishes us with; "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;", which is actually core to why the sparrows and the ants get along so well; we have a 'will' and a higher presence on this planet... but, that has led us to let our minds wander away from trusting Him, from our Faith Walk with Him, from our love and devotion with Him. The sparrows and the ants don't have 'fancy pants'... they have God's devotion, His promise, His faithfulness... and He loves YOU more than they; He cares for YOU more than they; He died for YOU! So, as your day goes along and you get worried about things... just remember this; Sparrows and Ants; Fancy Pants!