I never equated worry with arrogance -- until yesterday! As I was preparing for this week's sermon from Mark 10, I was reading Tim Keller's King's Cross: The Story of The World In The Life Of Jesus. As Keller unpacked Mark 10:38-45, he wrote this:
But do you know where constant worry comes from? It's rooted in arrogance that assumes, I know the way my life has to go, and God's not getting it right. Real humility means to relax. Real humility means to laugh at yourself. Real humility means to be self-critical. The cross brings that kind of humility into our lives.[1]
When I worry, I am arrogant. Ouch! Keller's words hit hard. But the more I reflect on them, the more I have to agree. And here's why:
While my worry changes nothing, God can change anything. God holds the world together, not me (Colossians 1:15-17). His wisdom is supreme, not mine (Proverbs 8). My plans fail, His never do (Psalm 33:1; Isaiah 14:24). He is in control of the smallest details, I am not (Matthew 10:29-31Proverbs 16:1).
The Scriptures remind me that this God is the one working everything out for my good (Romans 8:28-29). Yes, I guess it is time to relax, even when things are not going my way. He does have it all under control. No wonder Paul writes:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
God always gets it right. So talk to him about what's bothering you and let his peace stand guard over your heart today.
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[1] Tim Keller, King's Cross: The Story Of The World In The Life Of Jesus, page 147-8.