alfred e neumanYes, me worry.  The reflection posed by Alfred E. Neuman, the fictitious mascot of the humor magazine Mad, is indeed universal; yes, you worry too.  “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”  (Matthew 6:27).

Does not the admonition, “Cast all of your anxiety on the Lord because He cares for you," (I Peter 5:7) create a sigh of relief?  Then, why is it that so many of us retrieve that worry from the altar before we ever return to our pew?

We are never free from the recurring cares of the world that rob of us of our joy.  We need take pause, “when anxious thoughts multiply within me, thy consolations delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)  The solution to our paralyzing fears begins and ends with the promise; “My grace is sufficient…” (I Corinthians 12:9).

Matthew chapter 6 beckons us to consider God’s care for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. “Therefore, take no thought for your life," never wavering belief in the “much more.”  Our Heavenly Father knows our needs, concerns, and circumstances far better than we know ourselves.  “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself” (vs. 34) - and may “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:7)