Considering Beauty

In our anxious moments, we clothe ourselves with worry and spread a feast of fear before us. Our thoughts circle and chase us just as we run to secure them. When we are most desperate to feel in control of our lives, we are most prone to set a trap for ourselves.

In times of wandering, God urged the Israelites to record, remember and recite the works of his hand to strengthen their faith. Our ears can apparently feed our hearts. So too, our eyes can feed our minds. To battle worry, Jesus tells us to contemplate the beauty of simple things that God has created.

Very simply, we are to turn from all that we cannot control to rest in the presence of the Creator. We are to look in humble wonder at the soft contours of a feather and dark pollen on a white petal. Anxiety cannot compete with awe.

When we scan the spiritual horizon seeking the Spirit’s work, we step lightly over the earth’s rubble. Paul advises his friends in Philippi, "…keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise." As we honour God with our undistracted attention, we find that life’s stresses no longer master us.

God knows our weaknesses well. He looks with tenderness at us, skittish sheep in a predatory world, and tells us once again, "Do not be afraid." The only hope we have of doing this is to fix our eyes deliberately and unwaveringly upon the Shepherd.

Respond in Prayer

Great Shepherd, your world reminds us of your perfect care. Turn our anxious gaze from our uncontrollable worries to the work of your unstoppable Spirit. Thank you for meeting our deepest need by feeding and clothing our souls in Christ. Amen.

Miriam Wickett

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).