As the summer season melts into the orange sunset of the cool fall evenings, we move into the autumn season reflecting upon all the events that took place over the summer, from all the protests, unrest, and mess that has surfaced across our communities to the lockdowns, shutdowns, limited gatherings, limited travel and limited human contact. As our political and public officials continue to lose more of our trust every day, we get just a tad bit more anxious, nervous and concerned as we worry about what will happen tomorrow.
But Jesus told us not to worry. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34) “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Sometimes, we worry about things that we cannot control or do anything about. In his book, Running to Win, Dr. Erwin E. Lutzer tells the reader, “Sometimes, people live their lives crucified between two thieves – the regrets of yesterday and the anxieties of tomorrow.”
The word “worry” means “to be torn in two.” And that is exactly what anxiety does – it tears us apart. Our bodies might obediently go in one direction, but our minds are somewhere else. The result is that we live with tension; we cannot sleep, and we cannot enjoy the present moment. Worry causes us to work against ourselves and hinders our fellowship with God.
When speaking to His disciples, Jesus gave us three reasons why we should not worry and then three reasons why we do not have to worry. First, He says that we should not worry because of who we are. “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) If He takes care of the birds, will He not take care of us? Don’t miss Jesus’ point: When we worry, we diminish our value! Second, we should not worry because it is useless. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) Worry is like putting on the brakes and stepping on the gas simultaneously. It would be worth it if it added to the length of our life, but in fact, it might diminish it. Third, we should not worry because of our testimony. “For pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:32)
God knows our needs, our wants and our desires. Our heavenly Father loves us with a perfect love, but sometimes He is willing to allow us to experience loss and pain for a greater good, for a greater reward. So we should continually have faith in God and seek God each day of our lives. “To seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you, as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Worry reminds us of all those things we have not yet given to God, or we could say that our worry points to those things we have placed ahead of God’s grace and mercy.
By entrusting ourselves to our heavenly Father, we no longer have to be “torn in two” by the events of this life. May we look to seek, to trust, and to lift our hearts to God in all that we say and do, and then we will be transformed by the Holy Spirit to be content in all that we have received and can give God our thanks and appreciation for all that He has done for us.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark