Don't Worry
In what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches powerful truths in simple, memorable, and unique ways. Without apology, He has gracefully redefined perfect love, advocated selfless service, explained the spiritual prayer life, clarified the intent of fasting, and He’s just finished declaring that there is no dichotomy of Lordship for the citizen of God's kingdom for “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
Rounding third and heading home, Jesus is nearing His sermon's end when He offers a startling word of exhortation: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry..." (Matthew 6:25). Really Jesus? Don't worry? You cannot be serious. But then Jesus substantiates His charge with a riveting rhetorical question: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to their life?" (Matthew 6:25).
His claim is quite simple. Worrying does not make positive contributions to our lives. Instead of worrying, we are invited to trust our faithful Creator, Father, and Friend. Here's why:
1. The reach of God's care surpasses the reach of your concerns.
“Our Savior bound up His precious lessons with the things of nature. The trees, the birds, the flowers of the valleys, the hills, the lakes, and the beautiful heavens, as well as the incidents and surroundings of daily life, were all linked with the words of truth, that His lessons might thus be often recalled to mind, even amid the busy cares of man's life of toil.”
Steps to Christ, 85.2
There are approximately 10,000 discovered species of birds. Some are large. Others are small. Some fly high and coast low, while others are bound to the ground. Yet their Maker feeds them all. He who delights in their sunrise songs and takes pleasure in their choreographed flight reaches out in love to meet their needs.
How about "the lilies of the field" (Matthew 6:28)? He prepackages every seed with unseen beauty, sends nourishing rain right on time, and ensures the rays of the sun reach the roots of the flower. He paints the pastel petals and fills the sweet-smelling stems. Though their lifespan is short, His watch care is long. He who reaches the flowers also cares for us.
2. The riches of God's kingdom outweigh the riches of your pockets.
Many assume more money equals greater depths of happiness, stability, and peace. The reality is, money cannot buy or keep everything. While having money is not inherently wrong, allowing it to master your life can drive you crazy. How often do we allow our trust in God to rise or fall with the bottom line of our bank statements? Isn't it exhausting?
The riches of God's kingdom are not measured in dollars and cents. In fact, His riches are not defined by or limited to material items at all. Therefore, we can receive daily direct deposits of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). New mercy and grace are available every morning, and peace that passes understanding is always in stock.
3. The range of God's comprehension exceeds the scope of your reason.
There are moments when life does not make sense. At times, various irrational circumstances play out at the same time. What is one to do when reason runs out and life makes no sense? Trust God's comprehension (Matthew 6:32). His ways are according to His understanding, not ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). But, He can be completely trusted even when life is not completely understood.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5, 6
~Pastor Martin