That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…(Matthew 6:25, NLT)
Easier said than done.
Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6 provide confirmation that we’re not supposed to anxious about earthly things, such as what we wear, what we eat, and other day-to-day needs.
What do you worry about on a regular basis?
The “how” of not worrying is difficult to grasp. We know the Sunday School solutions of praying more, staying in God’s Word, keeping in contact with other believers, and so on, but sometimes those approaches just don’t seem to do the trick. The pressures of daily life, worrying about our families, finances, and even our faith seem to override the application of worry-free life of believing God. Yet if we believe what Jesus says in these verses – really believe them – his words change us. Even if we don’t feel an immediate, overwhelming peace, we experience the consistent chipping away of our own shells of earthly anxiety, yielding to reliance on God’s provision and peace.
Jesus directs us to look at the birds and lilies, which seems odd. We can quickly rationalize that comparing ourselves to birds and lilies is unfair, because our lives aren’t like their lives. They don’t have all the pressures and responsibilities we have. But that’s not the point. God created the birds and the lilies just as he created people. He knows every cell of the birds and lilies just as he knows people. He cares for all of his creation, including birds, lilies, and people. Of course, he has varying purposes for varying aspects of his creation, but the basic message of Jesus’ teaching is “God cares, and he’s taking care of you, so don’t worry about what God has covered.”
As I write this, I’m waiting on an update on a change of plans. Weather wreaked havoc on my plans, and I don’t have any control over the changes, because weather impacts airline changes, and they don’t ask me if it’s okay that they change schedules. I simply have to be patient and respond with as the grace that God extends to me. I pray in trust to God who knows all the details and has known them for as long as he’s known me. He knows every moment of my life…and he cares. He sees how everything fits together, even the insignificant things I can’t imagine having any impact on my faith.
These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:32-34)
Jesus doesn’t want me to worry, because he knows the impact it has on my faith and my relationships with those who are looking to me as a woman of faith. Jesus doesn’t want me to worry, because he knows the impact it has on my relationship with him. Jesus doesn’t want me to worry, because he knows I don’t need to.
Jesus is the cure to anxiety. Will you fully trust the cure?