Read Matthew 6
“Do not worry.” Now there’s a command that’s difficult to obey in these troubled times. Some suggest it’s downright impossible. Yet Jesus commanded us, “Do not worry.” How can we possibly do that?
It’s important that we distinguish between concern and worry. The Bible teaches us to be concerned enough about the future that we lay up food for the winter (Proverbs 6:6) and calculate the cost of a new building to make sure there are sufficient funds to pay for it. (Luke 14:28) So Jesus is not suggesting a flippant, careless attitude toward the future.
Concern focuses on the probable and takes action. Worry focuses on the improbable and produces inaction. Worry asks, “What if?” What if I get cancer?” What if there’s an accident? What if it’s a Downs Syndrome baby? What if there’s a depression? That kind of anxiety is a waste of time. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
What did Jesus suggest we do to conquer anxiety? First we should recognize worry as a sin and repent of it. Worry isn’t just a weakness of our temperament it’s a transgression of Christ’s command. It’s calling God a liar. God promises, “I will supply all your need according to my riches in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19) But worry says, “I don’t think that’s true.”
Secondly, Jesus instructs us to develop an eternal perspective. “Life is more important than food, the body is more important than clothes.” The reason we get uptight is that our focus is on accumulating possessions, retaining power, indulging in pleasure and maintaining close relationships. Yet those are temporary goals. They are the goals of pagans and can be snatched from us in a minute.
Jesus’ counsel is to get our focus off this world and onto eternity. That’s what really matters. When we set our affections on the “things above” instead of this world, “the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
Thirdly, Jesus said to realign our priorities. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mat 6:33) Got a big test tomorrow and you’re tempted to skip the church’s youth activity and stay home and study? Put Christ first. Feel pressured by unpaid bills and tempted to cut back on giving? Put Christ first. In a tight spot and tempted to weasel out by lying? Put Christ first. Isaiah promised, You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isa 26:3)
Jesus also taught us to trust the providence of God. “Consider the birds of the air.” You never see a bird pacing the limb at night fuming, “I wonder if there will be enough worms out there tomorrow?” And you never see an anorexic sparrow. No, they eat the food God provides each day and sleep in the nest at night. The Lord taught us to pray, “Give me my daily bread.” When will we learn to look back over our life and say, “God has provided for me all these years and I believe he’s going to continue so I’ll trust him for tomorrow’s needs and quit churning over it?”
Finally Jesus said, master the art of living one day at a time. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt. 6:34) God is realistic. He doesn’t promise that if you don’t worry nothing bad is ever going to happen to you. Jesus admitted tomorrow would have plenty of trouble. Birds die. Lilies wilt. And Christian people have serious problems.
We’re encouraged not to worry even though tomorrow will have trouble because God will provide the resources to go through whatever happens. The Holy Spirit will lift you up and give you a firm place to stand when the trouble comes. Don’t waste today’s energy on tomorrow’s problems. God will supply your need so enjoy today. Say with the Psalmist, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
** If you are enjoying this study through the book of Matthew with Bob Russell, be sure to check out Bob’s “Falling In Love With Jesus Again” Bible Study DVD and resources for your small group or church.
