ODJ: no worries

September 1, 2015 

READ: Matthew 6:25-34 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (v.33).

How often do you find yourself worrying about something? We worry about tomorrow, the economy, our jobs and friendships. We worry about our kids, our parents and our health.

One thing that life and more than 2 decades of counselling individuals has taught me is that people often feel anxious. Personally, I know I’m often caught in the clutches of fear and worry. Some of us have the tendency to experience it to a greater extent. Others experience it to a lesser degree, but nearly all of us have an ‘anxious core’.

Jesus understood that worrying can be a consuming struggle. So He took the time to talk about it in one of His most famous sermons (Matthew 6:25-34). At one point He reasoned, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (v.27). The obvious answer is “Nope”.

He concluded, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (v.34). In other words, don’t borrow trouble from tomorrow. You have plenty on your plate right here and now. Jesus also taught us not to worry about basic needs: “whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear” (v.25). He pointed out that just as God cares for the birds and flowers, He has more than enough to provide for our daily provisions.

Most of all, Jesus encouraged His followers to “seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (v.33).

We can rest in God and His saving and restoring influence at work in the world around us—trusting that our heavenly Father will provide for our needs (v.30). Our worries are no match for His power and promises.

—Jeff Olson

365-day-plan: Mark 11:20-33