Why does it seem some Christians could write a book on worry because we’re such experts? It’s very easy to cross the line from being concerned about a matter to worrying, isn’t it? Why would anyone want to obtain the life equivalent of a PhD in worrying? Talk about a “”terminal degree!” As one who has been far too prone to worry, the Lord’s words in Matthew 6:25-34 have often blessed my life. And they’ll continue to bless the lives of people until this old world is no more and we live with our Lord forever in glory! Hear the words of Jesus –
Worry Is Needless. “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). Three times Jesus says, “do not worry” (25, 31, 34). Surely He must have known He would need to repeat Himself because many of us find it so difficult to practice. The antidote for worry is trust in the Lord.
Worry Is Valueless. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you of not much more value than they?” (6:26). No one has ever lived who could illustrate like Jesus! By using the birds in this illustration, He uses a lesser-to-greater argument. Here’s the point. The antidote for worry is to consider our value to God.
Worry Is Useless. “And which of you by being anxious can an a single hour to his span of life?” (6:27). Worry won’t help us add years to our lives, but it certainly can take them off! The antidote for worry is awareness – awareness of how useless and profitless it is.
Worry Is Faithless. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (6:30). Again the Lord uses a lesser-to-greater argument. God takes care of the flowers and grass, and He does so even in west Texas! How much more will God care of us. The antidote for worry is the goodness of God.
Worry Is Godless. “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ Or ‘What shall we drink?’ Or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (6:31-32). The Lord issues a command, then asks 3 straight questions – questions that have an air of legitimacy, and then He puts worry in its place.
People may claim to believe, but worry often is just entirely too much emphasis upon “we” and “me” and not enough on God. Worry can turn us into “Christian Pagans.” When we worry, what are we actually saying about God? The antidote for worry is a knowledge of the true and living God.
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