If I didn’t know better I might think that Jesus was talking directly to the people of Israel as they made their way along the path of the Exodus. “Therefore,” he says, “do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’” (Matthew 6:31). Food and water, of course, were major points of contention between the people and God, with Moses caught right in the middle. Ultimately God provided manna and quails as food for the people (Exodus 16:13-15), and water from the rock at Massah (17:5-7). Did the people of God not learn from this experience to trust God for all of their needs? Jesus seems to think not.
For decades the character Alfred E. Newman has graced the pages of Mad Magazine along with his personal slogan, “What, me worry?” Is it possible that Newman has caught the meaning of Jesus’ words? Is it possible that we, too, should adopt a “what, me worry?” attitude in life? Certainly, as far as our trust in God is concerned we must learn to rely on our Creator by whose hand we are continually guided and cared for. If we have learned anything from our history it should be that God is with us and is ready to offer what we need. Jesus’ advice is to quit asking, “What will eat or drink?” and to start affirming, “What, us worry?”
Prayer: Lord help us to give up our worrying about the future and to trust you to provide for us as you have provided for your people all along. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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