Matthew 6:34 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
We picked up a common colloquialism from our tour bus driver in Ireland. When we talked with Ray about the troubles in Northern Ireland and other matters, he often concluded our conversation by saying, “It is what it is.” I appreciated his humble honesty and quiet wisdom.
He realized he had no power to change certain circumstances, so why waste time worrying. He found contentment in simply letting go and embracing the present. I think I need a bit more of that in my life.
Jesus warned us not to worry. Not to worry about essentials in our lives—what we’ll eat, drink, or wear. He said if we prioritize seeking him first, he would provide for our needs (Matt. 6:33). Of course, Jesus isn’t suggesting we not plan for the future. Or lean back in our recliners when he calls us to action. But he doesn’t want us spinning our wheels in the mud pit of anxiety.
Worry not only reveals our lack of trust in God, it removes us from the present. The more we focus on the “what if’s,” the less we focus on the “what is.” I believe God wants to speak to us each day. But we can’t hear him when our minds distract us with worry. One man I know recently confessed he had been so bogged down with worrisome distractions, that he needed a distraction from his distractions!
The cure for anxiety rests in trust. For each “it is what it is” circumstance, believers have the opportunity to lay every burden, every care, every concern, at the feet of the One who cares about the things we care about (Psalm 55:22; Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7). Prayer launches us into the only true and lasting contentment.
So I’ve been trying to let go of those situations I tend to worry about. I’m finding contentment in “it is what it is.” But I’m adding, “so take it from here Lord.”
How about you?