2:131 – Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff…It’s All Small Stuff.

#faithbites #faithjourney sweat

What a weekend! Camping with the girl scouts, horseback riding, dinner with my brother celebrating his graduation, an impromptu early birthday party for my youngest, and swimming with family. This was a fun filled, exhausting, 36 hours.

The one thing that kept popping in my head was “Enjoy this time, it won’t happen again”. Now the voice wasn’t saying it in a negative tone, but rather to not worry about all the things I need or think I need to do, but rather about living in the moment.

At the same time, many things weren’t perfect, but it didn’t matter. Getting upset, angry, or made, can’t change the things that happened, and would only make me miss the fun times. On top of it all, the things that went wrong, really weren’t important, nor where the things that I could be spending my time on.

We get so busy in our lives that we sweat every little thing, when in fact pretty much all of it, is little and isn’t a fame changer. Because through Christ, we can be redeemed, and we are protected.

Scripture

• Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that no one can criticize you.” Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT)
• Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Reflection

At first pass, the Philippians verse may look like we are supposed to take what life gives us and never stand up for ourselves. Or that we should just accept our lot in life. When you look at it, what it means is that we don’t sweat the small stuff. We give thanks to God for all things, in all circumstances, as we are following God’s plan.

Sure, there are times when we aren’t happy with our situation. That is when we pray and ask God to help direct us where he wants us to go. We aren’t complaining, rather we are looking for direction and guidance.

Imagine if we spent all the time and energy we use in complaining and out it towards problem solving, outreach, our relationships, or a host of other things? We would be in a much better place. Sure, I complain and vent to trusted friends and family occasionally, we all need to. But at the end of the day, that helps focus me, so that I can try to more closely follow God’s plan.

Charge

It’s easy to worry about everything. Take a minute to write down everything you worried about today. Then in three days, look at it again. How many of those things mattered? Truly mattered? Probably very few. Now take that knowledge and apply it to tomorrow’s challenges. How can we worry less?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the complicated, mixed up, crazy world we live in. Through this, we can appreciate the protection and love you give us. Help us to remember not to sweat the little stuff as you are there with us. Keep reminding us that most things are little or miniscule when you are involved. We know that you are always in our side and will help all decisions. In your name, Amen.