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“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is an old Yiddish adage meaning, “Man Plans, and God Laughs.” Despite our most careful planning, life is unpredictable. Our natural inclination is to want to know what is next and there is nothing wrong with that. But sometimes certainty becomes so coveted that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. I don’t’ think uncertainty is either good or bad; it is just a fact of life.
These are anxious times. Tomorrow is election day, and we don’t know what the future looks like. Will “our” candidate win? Will there be rioting? What direction is this country headed? We are worried; we are concerned.
But worry and concern are not the same thing. Worry is ruminating; wringing our hands without making any progress to solve the issue. Worry is focused on the future. Concern, on the other hand, is focused on solving the problem, coming up with options, making a plan, and doing something about the situation. Concern is focused on the here and now.
In other words, worry is meditating on “what if?” Concern is meditating on “what is?”
Yes, we are worried about the state of this nation, but worry doesn’t do anyone any good. Instead, be concerned. Do not fret over “what if;” instead do something about “what is.” Pray, vote, help, write, advocate, love, speak up, forgive, DO.
Worrying does no one any good. Concern, paired with action, has the potential that can change the world.
What can we do about worry? Here is what God’s word says:
Pray and be thankful. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6)
God is a promise-keeper. God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19)
Give your worries to God. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that he may exalt you [to a place of honor in his service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on him, for he cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (1 Peter 5:6-7, AMP)
Think about what is right, not what is wrong. Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. (Philippians 4:8 AMP)
Go in peace,
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