Worrisome Roots

Let’s look at the tendons of worry.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus likened anxiety to thorns (Luke 8:14). It literally choked the potential fruit life out of the seed of Truth (Matthew 13:22).

Just think of it.

Allowing worrisome thoughts to take root in your life actually takes up the space that the fruit of the Spirit should have.

Worriers always have one particular fruit of the Spirit that they never quite see grow.

It is no coincidence.

When you are distracted, you strangle the seeds of love that the Father has planted in your heart.

When you are anxious, you asphyxiate the pods of joy that our Lord breathes in your emotions.

When you are overwrought, you obstruct the seeds of peace that the Spirit scatters in your mind.

When you are worried sick, you smother the kernel of patience that our Master Farmer transplants into your life.

Any wonder we’re having trouble with kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)?

Living in South Carolina for two years introduced us to the green world of Kudzu. Originally introduced from Japan for soil conservation, this fast growing vine loves the heat and humidity of the Southern U.S.

The problem with Kudzu is it grows a little too well. Invasive in nature, it is notorious for rapidly climbing over trees, scrubs, immobile cars…you name it. Once Kudzu takes over, it is difficult to control and deadly to anything alive underneath it.

Mowing over it gives it the appearance of hurting it, but it has a root crown and rooting runners that regenerate easily into new healthy plants.

Kudzu can be grazed, but it takes many successive years to completely deplete all root crowns.

Burning the ground cover still won’t eradicate the implanted crowns. And any herbicide that can kill it, also kills any plant life underneath.

Beware for worry is the Kudzu of our hearts.

Worry is out to kill off any of the fruit of goodness, kindness, gentleness or love that the Spirit has begun within us.

Anxiety is just as dangerous and invasive in our hearts.

The good news is that there is an effective control for worry.

Worship.

“Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool; Holy is He” (Psalm 99:5)!

————————