Lessons from Matthew 6: Worry Free
After He finished talking to the people about heavenly wealth, Jesus transitioned by saying, “Therefore…” (Matthew 6:25-34).
When we see the word “therefore” we are to look back and see what the word therefore is pointing to. In this case it’s pointing to the fact that if we have a true heart of worship and our wealth is truly fixed on God and His eternal rewards we have nothing at all to worry about.
Worry Free
The same God who created your life can be trusted with the details of your life. In fact to borrow worry or to set ourselves upon it only serves to get in the way of our efforts for God and His kingdom! According to verse 27, worry produces more harm than good!
Worry may:
damage your health
cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts
disrupt your productivity
negatively affect the way you treat others
reduce your ability to trust in God
How many lives have been shortened by days or years of worrying?!
Some try and say, “Well, God made me that way.” No he did not! He made you to trust in Him and not to rely on yourself or any other human being or job for that matter! And in fact, those who worry show a lack of faith in and an understanding of God.
There is a difference, however, between worry and legitimate concern. Worry immobilizes, paralyzes so that you cannot go on. But concern, true concern, moves you to act!
Jesus said for those in the family of God there is no need to worry (verses 28-30). Rather, we are to trust God for these things. He will not ignore the needs of those who depend on Him.
Our responsibility is found in verse 33 where Jesus said our job is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. This means we are to turn to God for help, to fill our thoughts with His desires, to take His character as our pattern for living, and to serve and obey Him in everything we think, say, or do!
Worry is a lack of faith in God’s fatherly care.
What worry do you need to turn over to God that you think He cannot or will not handle for you?
Jesus’s answer for worry is to seek first the kingdom of God (worship) and His righteousness (wealth) and God promises to supply not only spiritual needs, but also the physical needs of His people!
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach