Outsource Your Worry

I was reading a book about being efficient and getting things all the way done. I only got about halfway, but I do remember something: the author was offering tips on getting help by outsourcing.

He’d hire people in other countries, and they’d take care of his stuff, everything from dealing with clients to setting up dental appointments.

He was under a lot of pressure, and as a sort-of joke, he decided to ask his assistant in India to worry for him. And it worked! Just knowing someone was out there, somewhere, worrying in his stead? It somehow put him more at ease. He would set those things aside and concentrate on things he could control that day.

This is kind of goofy, but that’s how our minds work. We want some sense of control over the future, and at some level, worrying gives it to us.

But there’s an even better way. “Outsourcing our worries” may be an absolutely brilliant way to think about our trusting relationship with God. I mean, take a look at 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.” Throw your worries to Him. Let Him deal with them, instead of you.

I need to do this more. As I learn God’s truly good, and believe the things about Him that Jesus believes, I trust Him more to handle things.

In life, it’s better if we just do what we can . . . and then outsource the worry. We did our thing; now Lord, please do yours.

Maybe it’s a simplistic image, of course, but it helps me. I have to remember: “Not my department. Not my department.” Over and over. “Be like the birds,” Jesus says (Matthew 6:26). They don’t kid themselves about how powerful they are, or that they control the future.

How remarkable is it that Jesus is described as God’s word made flesh in Scripture (John 1:14)? That means He’s God’s opinion. And God’s opinion, for what it’s worth to you, is that you have nothing to fear at all.

I’ve got my own opinions, but I’m going with His on this.

Pray

Jesus, thank you that I don’t have to carry the burden of worry, fear, or anxiety; help me to trust, as the birds and the flowers do, that You are faithful to care for me and meet my needs.