Poor Thinking

This is not a political statement, simply an observation in poor thinking.

Considering the condition of the economy and the prospect for future "growth", it seems rather short sided the way President Bush is thinking. Somehow, he believes that those "incentive checks" starting to go out Monday will be a shot in the arm to the economy.  I cannot imagine anything further from the truth. I suspect most of those funds will recycle back into the economy in the form of people paying bills and perhaps eeking out one more mortgage payment.

Poor thinking is not uncommon among politicians. It is not uncommon among the common. A good example is found in Genesis 32 & 33 when Jacob prepares to meet Esau. For the first time since his deception of Esau, Jacob will have an encounter with his brother. Expecting that Esau will act in a manner similar to the way Jacob acted many years prior, Jacob is in fear. Fear that proves to be unfounded.

How often do we do the same - Live in fear of the unknown and ultimately, the unfounded? Living under a pretense that worry and anxiety will somehow produce something of substance.  I'll confess I do it all the time.

Many of my friends and readers of one of my blogs know for over a year we have been anxiously awaiting the sale of our house in Texas. At least I have been "anxiously awaiting" that transaction.  Well, it is now under contract. A great blessing, yet at the same time for me, simply a shift in anxiety. That is, I'll be anxiously awaiting the closing date in some fear of circumstances changing to sabotage the sale.   Of course, if the sale does finalize, I'll simply then move my anxiety to another area - should we travel to England to see the kids, to Texas to meet our new daughter in-law and grandkids, to Washington to visit my mom, or a trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary?   My, I'm worn out just thinking about what it will be like thinking about those things.

As my wife and I were discussing my "handicap of anxiety", almost simultaneously we thought of 1 Peter 5:6-7; "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Perhaps Jacobs wrestling with the "the man" at the river Jabbok, or his prayers to God prior to setting out toward Esau's land are a reflection of what Peter was saying. It was all a matter of coming to terms with what was real, not what was imagined. A means of changing poor thinking into right thinking. A time of deciding to trust God and move ahead.

Someone once said that, "Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere." Trusting God is what neutralizes worry and anxiety. As Jesus said, "Therefore, do not be anxious....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."  (Matthew 6:31-33)

I am not sure why I am such a slow learner, perhaps I will look back on this whole event and see all that God has taught me - and he has -- then realize it's time to trust Him in all areas, with everything.