“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34
“Do not worry…” Jesus’ words are easier said than done, aren’t they? It’s hard to even imagine a life completely free from all worry. Whether it’s big, life-altering circumstances or the daily nuisances of life, we all struggle with worry. Maybe that is why Christ, in the first sermon He ever delivered, spent a significant portion of His time on this very subject.
The word “worry” in this section of The Sermon on the Mount is actually translated as “anxious.” It literally means, “to divide the mind.” Isn’t that a great mental picture? Worry divides the focus of our minds. It takes our attention from what is utmost, and scatters it here and there, resulting in a complete lack of direction if we aren’t careful.
So how do we guard against a divided mind? Jesus’ answer was clear: “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). So maybe the question isn’t, “How do I keep from worrying?” Maybe a more fruitful approach is, “What am I seeking?” Nothing focuses the mind like the Holy Spirit of God. He puts our lives into perspective, pulling out the weeds of this world that can choke out the fruit of the Spirit.
As a child of God, we have the incredible privilege of coming to Him in prayer. This sacred time with Him is our opportunity to lay all of our burdens at His feet. The problem is, we tend to lay them there, and then pick them back up. Are we more capable of solving problems than He? Have we more resources? More knowledge? More wisdom? More love? Of course not! So we must lay them down in sincere faith, and leave them there in unwavering trust.
Where are your burdens? Are they dividing your mind - distracting you and robbing you of joyful living? Or, are they where they belong – in the capable hands of Your loving, sovereign Father?
Father, Please forgive me for worrying, especially things that do not really matter. Please increase my faith and help me trust You in every detail of my life.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Topics: Worry
