Worry
Let’s be honest. Worry is our default setting. But Jesus tells us that it doesn’t have to be. Let me show you what Jesus said. Jesus talked about five of the biggest things we worry about in life. Take for example:
• Finances.
• Food.
• Fitness.
• Fashion.
• Future.
• Food.
• Fitness.
• Fashion.
• Future.
He says, “First of all, you worry about money way too much. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matthew 6:24) In other words, “Don’t obsess about money. Don’t be overly focused on finances. God knows what you need, and He knows how to get it to you.”
Jesus then says, “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink (That’s food!); or about your body (That’s fitness!), what you will wear (That’s fashion!) …” (Matthew 6:25)
He said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (That’s the future!) (Matthew 6:34)
And what I love about Jesus is He doesn’t just point out what’s wrong with our thinking, He actually shows us a different way to think about it.
Here’s what He said: “The next time you start to worry … “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
The point is: Birds don’t worry. Now, to be clear, birds don’t just sit there either. They do something about it. Right?
And this illustrates a very important difference between concern and worry.
• Concern focuses on challenges and moves you into action
• Worry focuses on what’s beyond your control and results in inaction.
Very important. Like you might think your marriage is struggling, and you’re concerned about that. And so maybe you get some counseling. Or you’re concerned that you gained 12 pounds, so maybe you cut back on carbs. Concern focuses on challenges and moves you into action.
On the other hand, worry focuses on what’s beyond your control and results in inaction. It’s stewing without doing. It’s obsessing about something totally out of your control. That’s why Jesus said: “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27)
Let’s pray.
Dear God, I’m one of those people who always battles with worry. There is something that is on my mind, and I know what I need to do …
I need to do my best and trust You for the rest. I need to leave the part that’s out of my control in Your hands and trust Your plan.
And there’s something else I need to do … I need to put You first in that area. To turn to You. To put my burden on You.
God, I do that now. I’m trusting You. I’m trusting You with my child … I’m trusting You with my future … I’m trusting You with my health … I’m trusting You with my money. I’m trusting You …
And whatever happens – even if the worst-case scenario happens – I know that You will carry me through.
Thank You, Lord. I feel better already!
I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.