How many straws does it take to break you?
Everyone has heard the saying “the straw that broke the camel's back.” One person said that this “describes a small and seemingly insignificant addition to a burden that renders it too much to bear or a small thing which causes failure, inability, or unwillingness to endure more of something.”
Have you ever been broken by that one last straw? Have you ever over-reacted to a situation? Usually when someone over-reacts, it is a sign of other straws on their back. Have you found yourself overreacting to even the simplest of situations?
- What straws are you collecting?
- When someone speaks a harsh word to you?
- When you feel judged?
- When you feel misunderstood by even your closest friends?
- When you failed at something that was very important to you?
- When your past mistakes continue to follow you?
- When no matter how hard you try, you are unable to win someone over?
- When you have a past sin that still haunts you?
- When you are unable to please a parent; a boss; a teacher?
- When you worry about the “what ifs?”
- When you _________________ (fill in your own list)
You need to know what your straws are. Why? Because Satan knows… and he will continue to throw those straws on your direction!
When I think about this, there is one glaring and obvious question. Why do I collect straws to begin with?
Jesus had something to say about this. In Matthew he gives us part of the formula to stop collecting straws:
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things…your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)
Jesus said to not worry 3 times. How do I do that? He tells me to do 2 things: Seek His Kingdom above everything else in my life and to live righteously.
We will unpack those 2 items tomorrow…
