TORNADO ALLEY

Last night there were more than 23 tornadoes in the Midwest. For many years I Iived in the area of that region known as Tornado Alley. It was a place where those monster storms could come roaring through the night capricously reaping destruction. A house would be gone here, a row of trees there, a car dumped four streets over; and a dog house left untouched and unmoved. When the summer days were hot and a cold front started arriving, you began to watch the skies for thunderstorms rolling in. A storm front could easily carry those ominous funnel clouds that would drop to earth in a heartbeat to start a path of destruction.

The irony, however, was that people living in Tornado Alley did not live in fear nor were they preoccupied with the possibility of sudden disaster. By and large you simply went about your daily business in normal ways even in storm season. Anxiety would only make life unbearable. It would drive you to the storm cellars instead of the fields where there was work to be done. Yes, you were alert and yes, you made provisions for a quick trip to shelter when conditions became threatening; but you went about life with confidence and contentment.

The Bible warns us that an anxious spirit is a destructive one. Philippians 4 tells us, "Be anxious about nothing." This is not a Pollyannish naivete. It is a confidence in God's providence and protection and provision. "But in everything with thanksgiving, present your requests you to God, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

A healthy Christian is not anxious. A mature Christian approaches all situations placing their trust in God. This does not mean we are not concerned or careful, but we do not let worry define our lives. We have Jesus Christ.