When Toil Is Not Your Portion

[Jesus asked,] “Now why do you all worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither labor nor spin… So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has worries of its own. Sufficient is the trouble of this day.” – Matthew 6:28 & 34 (as translated in Year B, pg 303) 

“Why do you worry?” Jesus asks. The question, at first, seems annoying. I worry because there are things to worry about.  

Pushing past my frustration with his question, I come to understand this: Jesus challenges us to reframe our fears and prioritize joy, peace, and faith.  

This isn’t just personal—it’s political. Choosing to trust in God disrupts systems of fear and toil, making space for liberation and justice. 

My mother, a SNCC organizer, reminded me of this through a phrase they would often share with each other after the end of a long, dangerous day of organizing: “My cotton bag is heavy.” Which put things into perspective for me. While things may be hard, I am not living under the toil my ancestors did. I do not have to pick cotton.  

There is violence in toil. But there’s also a resilience that we can draw upon. Our ancestors’ toil reminds us that progress is not guaranteed; it requires faith, action, and collective care. 

This may feel hard to imagine. You may find yourself in despair. But even there, we remember: God remains on the throne. Healing, and renewing. No matter what.  

You are a lily. Like lilies, we are called to bend toward the light, modeling faith and trust in our Creator. Weep when you need to. Tears make space for joy, and joy fuels revolution. And then: morning by morning, new mercies we find. 

Prayer
Bend me to your light, O God. Let my weeping only spend the night. Let the joy come. Amen.

About the Author
Kaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.