Worried?

God is greater than our worried hearts and 

knows more about us than we do ourselves.

1 John 3:20 [The Message]

I walked to work today.  It is only a little over a half-mile, so it is certainly an attainable stroll.  It was amazing to me, however, what a hard time I had talking myself into leaving my car behind.  My mind went back and forth between "yes" and "no" most of the early morning.  Finally, I grabbed my stuff and began the walk.  To be truthful, I must admit that I had not walked far before one of my neighbors stopped and picked me up and drove me the rest of the way.  So I didn't exactly walk to work today, but tomorrow is another chance to do so.

You are probably wondering what my motivation is.  Exercise?  No, not really.  I already exercised this morning prior to leaving the house.  Another half mile (x2) is great, but that is not the motivating factor.  After reading the headlines over the weekend about rising gasoline prices, I am concerned [note the careful avoidance of the word "worried"] regarding the payment of $4.00+ per gallon for fuel.  We have not reached that benchmark in this area just yet (yesterday it was $3.83 for regular), but much of the country has and it is certainly coming to Chesterfield County.   Summertime is the season to go and do - the beach, the water park, the swimming pool, the outdoor markets, the fairs and parades, the sports events - and this year it will cost us a pretty penny to do so.  To those who are unemployed in this bleak economy, higher gas prices will only add to their overwhelming burdens and, yes, to their worries.

Note that John does not say, "Oh, for Pete's sake, don't worry!"  No, he says, "God is greater than our worried hearts."  The Apostle acknowledges that we are going to worry - even when we try not to.  He draws our attention, however, to the One who is so much greater than our concerns, who knows our troubles better than we do, who offers strength and wisdom for the journey, and who will walk hand in hand with us through every day of our lives.