Don't Waste Your Time Worrying

During my initial three weeks of training with my guide dog, Jackson, we had a lot of new, exciting, and sometimes scary experiences. 

One that I remember most is when we were introduced to obstacles. 

The trainers set up various objects along the sidewalk that were meant to block our path. Then, as a team, Jackson and I had to figure out how to work around them. 

This exercise was meant to mimic a real-life scenario in which our route may become unexpectedly blocked and we would have to decide how to navigate the situation. 

As Jackson and I walked along, I did not know exactly what the obstacles were or what the outcome would be, I just knew they were coming. 

I found myself a bit nervous and apprehensive as I worried about how I would navigate the obstacles before I even encountered them.

Sara Claudia and her guide dog, Jackson, navigating the Leader Dogs for the Blind campus.

How often do we walk through life in this same state of apprehension and worry? 

We expect the worst and fret over situations that have not happened yet or may never even occur.

When I am plagued with anxiety, I find comfort in the words of Matthew 6:25-34,

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

(Matthew 6:25-34, ESV)

This passage reminds us that we are valuable to God, and because of this, He will protect us and provide for us, even in those uncertain situations.

When Jackson is guiding me, I know longer worry about those unseen, unexpected obstacles. 

Why? Because as we spent time growing as a team, I learned to trust Him fully. 

Yes, we still encounter roadblocks from time to time, but with each experience, as we learn how to work through a new situation, we find ourselves more prepared for whatever we may encounter in the future.

Sunshine with an orange filter shining through trees with text that says, “It is the same in life with God as our guide.”

It is the same in life with God as our guide. 

Each time we face a situation that we are not sure how to navigate, He is walking with us and growing our faith along the way. 

Because of this, we do not need to be anxious about what may or may not happen in the future.  

The best thing we can do is exactly what Matthew 6:33 tells us: 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Do not waste time worrying today. Instead, turn to God, and trust Him to see you through. 

You will be amazed at how, through each uncertain season, your faith can grow, and you feel more prepared for those unseen obstacles that may arise down the road.

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Dr. Donna Thomas Moses, who specializes in Periodontics, temporomandibular complex (TMJ), and dental implants. At her practice, she strives to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your evaluation and treatment.  

Ashlee Burgess Photography, which has been a photography business in the West Georgia area since 2014. Specializing in weddings, elopements, and couples, Ashlee also loves working with seniors & individuals for portraits! No matter the subject in front of her camera, her goal is to create warm, dreamy images that capture the emotion of your most precious moments.