I watched as a little bird nipped at the table feathers of a huge hawk…chasing it…forcing it to flee. The large bird could have easily taken on the small bird, but instead it allowed this small, tiny creature to determine its path.
It reminded me of how we allow our fears and worries to nip at us. They can control us…making us run. Flee. Isn’t it also similar to the rudder of a ship? It is small, but determines the ship’s direction.
What am I allowing to determine my direction? Is it fear? Worry? Is it anxiety nipping at my tail? Or, am I trusting in God, who is faithful? These are questions I have to ask myself every day.
Then, when little worries start to chase me, I have to remind myself that I don’t need to run or flee. God’s word says…”The Lord will fight your battles for you. You need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) He is able “to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with us.” (Ephesians 3:20)
There is power in claiming scripture over my worries. It changes the direction of my thoughts – it helps me nip the worry rather than worry nipping at me.