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All my life I have heard the expression, “you can’t cross a bridge until you get to it,” or “l’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.” These often-used expressions have to do with worrying about things before they happen.
A traveler was stopped and informed of some dangerous bridges ahead. With confidence he said, “I’ll cross them when I get to them.” He held the proper attitude. Some, however, aren’t like this traveler. They go through life trying to cross their bridges before they get to them. This will fill their lives with frustration. They think and say, “What if I fail,” or “Suppose things go wrong.” The fact is: At times we will fail and at times things will go wrong. So many are guilty of “premature” living.
So many find it difficult to break the “bridge crossing” attitude. Even when they have all the facts, they still worry. Sadly, this robs them of their peace in Christ (John 10:10).
Why do people try to cross those bridges before they get to them? There are several reasons. Let us look at them. Fear is the major reason. This is contrary to what the Bible teaches (2 Tim. 1:7). Some live with an anxious spirit. They simply worry over everything. The apostle Paul teaches us not to be this way, that is, don’t fret or be improperly anxious over anything (Phil. 4:6). Insecurity is a real cause of premature “bridge crossing.” Many feel they must know what lies ahead. They can’t seem to leave it in the hands of God (Phil. 4:19). This will lead one to believe, “If anything can go wrong, it will.” They become impatient. Yet, we are taught to be patient in every situation (Jas. 1:2-5). All of this will bring about a lack of faith in God and His Word (Heb. 11:6).
Our future is in God’s hands. This should comfort us. Jesus doesn’t want us to worry (Matt. 6:24-34). We may feel at times that no one cares, but we can always know God cares. Worry just proves we aren’t trusting in God and His Word as we should.
One can break these terrible habits. The first thing one must do is to acknowledge there is a problem. This takes honesty and real soul-searching. Resolve to break it and learn to live one day at a time (Ecc. 5:4; Phil. 4:13; Matt. 6:32-34). We can cast all our burdens on the Lord (Psa. 55:22). Let us trust His power and wisdom (Prov. 3:5). Learn to enjoy this moment, it‘s all you have (Phil. 4:11). Believe that all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28; 31, 32). Let us follow God’s orders (Psa. 119:133; 37:23).
Remember, Jesus came to give us joy, hope, power, peace of mind, and most of all salvation. Premature bridge crossing robs one of these. Let us turn our attitude to win over to God. We have the power of choice (Prov. 23:7). God sees all those bridges; He will be with us (Psa. 139:1-12).
Jimmy Young
via Chapman church of Christ
Ripley, MS