Scripture reading: Matthew 6:25-34, NKJV

Worrying is dwelling on a problem, or a potential problem, usually one over which we have no control, and getting worked up about it. Humans, by default, worry. And when we do not curb this habit, worry can give rise to unnecessary anxieties that fuel unfounded fears. Fear, as we learnt last week, can lead to death. Today’s message teaches us to guard against this deadly pandemic we know as worry.

First cure – Prioritize

“. . . Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (verse 25)

We live in a world today where the temporal seems to matter more than the eternal. It’s a materialistic world, where everyone seems to be chasing the fleeting and ignoring the lasting. If we peg our feelings on fickle things, our feelings will be fickle. Life matters more than food, and the body more than clothes. Prioritize the quality of your life—your health—over trendy, fleeting delicacies. Prioritize your well-being over fashion. Prioritize eternity over the temporal. Prioritize, strategize, plan—that’s your first cure. Don’t be moved by the general flow.

Second cure – Trust in God’s grace.

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” (verse 26)

Sometimes we forget that the things which appear ‘natural’ are actually the Lord’s active doing. We are not owed breath or life ‘by default’; it is God’s grace that makes these possible. Everything depends on God. And that’s how we need to naturally trust Him to provide.

This by no means suggests we should be lazy. Just as God has provided for the bird, the bird still needs to fly, hunt, and feed. As we trust in God’s provision, we must show responsibility by working hard.

Third cure – Know your worth.

“Look at the birds of the air… Are you not of more value than they?” (verse 26)

Do you know your worth?

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?”

If God gave up His only begotten Son for your sake, will He not also provide everything else you need?

Knowing your worth— who you are — is also a cure for unnecessary comparisons that can fuel anxiety.

Fourth cure – Realize that worry is not productive.

“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (verse 27)

Fifth cure – Seek first the Kingdom.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (verse 33)

Seeking the kingdom means making evangelism and discipleship our primary endeavour. We must constantly pray for people to know Christ and take advantage of opportunities to witness to others. Seeking God’s righteousness means conquering sin and replacing it with righteous acts and attitudes. Jesus has promised that once we seek these, all other things will be added to us. Cash in.

Sixth cure – Take it one day at a time.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (verse 34)

Everyday has its troubles—it’s a given. But amidst these troubles, God promises grace for the day. Just as the Israelites in the wilderness only received enough bread for each day, God often does the same with us. He gives grace for the step we are on, not the next step—only grace for the day. He does this so we can learn to lean on Him daily.

Worry is a void created by a lack of faith. Lord, help our unbelief!

Prayer

Lord, help our unbelief.
Where, in word or deed, we have denied Your wisdom by failing to see what You are doing…
Where we have denied Your love by acting as though You do not care for us…
Where we have denied Your power by thinking You are unable to deliver us…

Unburden our worries
Engulf us with Your love
Let us know You are with us.

Reflection

What worries distract you from reaping the full benefits of God’s promises?