All for naught. How many times have you worked yourself up into a frenzy of worry for nothing? Think of all the energy you have spent thinking about how bad something might be. We see it here played out for us with Jacob. He was so consumed with concern over reuniting with his brother after all these years. But we can understand, can we not? After all, Jacob was nearly running for his life when he left his parent’s home all those years ago. Esau was furious with him for what he had done and spoke of killing his brother!
Despite having a good reason for his concern, Jacob let it consume him. What didn’t he do? Trust God. I have found in my life that worrying about things and letting them consume me is only wasting my time. Do I still worry and fall prey? Of course. This story is a good example for us to bring to mind when we catch ourselves in the trap of worry. It is a trap, wouldn’t you agree? Worrying does not change what is going to happen.
Satan loves it when our guards are during our “worry state.” He can take control and fill our minds with the worst case scenarios, fueling them as they play again and again in our heads. I can remember vividly when one of our children did not come home one night. Did I sleep? No. Did I pace the floor thinking of all the things that could have happened? Yes. Did I try repeatedly to call their cell phone with no response? Yes. Did it do any good at all? No. Did everything turn out okay? Yes.
You can probably think of something that you are worried about, even as you read this. Something you are anticipating that is making you uncomfortable. Maybe it seems trivial to everyone else but you are really struggling with it. Ask yourself, “Will all the struggle help the situation? Will the worry add anything of value to your life?”
Think of Jacob and all the preparation he did for meeting his brother. While it was all very noble and generous, it didn’t change how he was treated by his brother. Of course, he didn’t know that when he was worrying. He didn’t trust God to work it all out. He was very good at overthinking the situation. Do you ever do that?
I know I’m extremely guilty of overthinking situations. There’s a difference between being prepared and efficient, and overly prepared and distraught. Think about that for a moment and see if you can remember a time when you have been frantic over something. In retrospect, how could you have done it differently?
I had some questions about today’s text, and if you have any ideas or opinions, feel free to share in the comments. Why didn’t Jacob return with Esau to Edom? What was so special about Succoth and then Shechem?
Thankfully, Esau had chosen not to hold a grudge of bitterness over what had happened in the past. We have that same choice in life when situations happen that are less than desirable. If you are holding on to something that is lurking under the surface zapping your joy, give it back to God. Ask him to take it from you so you can live more joyfully and richly. Have a thankful heart at all times. Life is too short to be riddled with worry or bitterness.
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you today that you are in control of my life. Forgive me when I worry about things that are out of my control. There is no good that can come from worry, other than the freedom I feel when I give my concerns to you. When I truly break free and let go of the chains that are holding me down, I can experience the true joy you intend for me. Help me to be an encouraging soul to those I encounter. Use me as your instrument to bring your peace and light into this troubled world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
