Monday, April 12, 2010

Consider the lilies...

(photo by stt1119)

I've been sitting here, looking out of my window, taking in this fresh Spring morning. I'm watching two colorful little birds fluttering in this tree. They sing the prettiest songs. And I can't believe how green the grass has gotten in just the last few days with our last snow storm watering them green. And I see the birds fly over my house, soaring, relaxed, magnificent, below the cirrus clouds and otherwise blue sky.

I'm contemplating my employment situation. I have applied for about 30-40 jobs since March. My inbox is full of emails indicating that these positions are full or I am no longer being considered. And I've caught myself in a bit of fear. When I dwell on this, I find myself under a heavy burden of being the provider for our family, especially since I only have a few months left with my current job. But I know that fear and worry is fruitless when I am a child of a loving and living God.

And as I watch the carefree song and flight of the birds, and see the grass return to it's splendid green, I am reminded of one of Jesus' promises from Luke 12: 22-32:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his spendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for the Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom...

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

how does this verse help when one is still unemployed with no prospects even after a year or searching.

maggieinthemountains said...

Hannah--Hold tight to that promise! I am confident our God will provide for you!
Maggie

Hannah said...

friend in Florida,

God's promises do not change when our circumstances do. He is unwavering. I can't imagine the discouragement that you must feel being unemployed (i'm assuming you are referring to you or a loved one) for a long period of time. This verse is not about employment, anyway...it is about God sustaining us and providing for our needs. I am trusting that he will provide for my husband and I, whether through employment or maybe not. But I do trust that he will do the same for you. Praying for you today.

kris said...

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings a song called Consider the Lilies that I love from this great verse. :) When are you free for us to get together?

BrieAnna said...

Hannah, God will take care of you I promise He loves you and will do as if what is right maybe not for you or in your eyes, but in His eyes He has something great planned for you. I love you Hannah and you are in my prayers:)

Brooke Hereth said...

God will care for you Hannah. So will Landon. You really think outside the box :)

Kara said...

This encouraged me more than you know.