ODJ: worry less


May 28, 2013 

READ: Matthew 6:25-34 

I tell you not to worry about everyday life (v.25).


According to the World Health Organization, Americans are more prone to anxiety than people in other nations. The study revealed that 31 percent of Americans suffer from this disorder at some point in their lifetime. The chief culprits that lead to this anxiety are money, work and the pressure to achieve and succeed. According to the study, Americans’ anxiety is five times higher than that of people in Third World nations.


Long before the World Health Organization collected data and came to their conclusions, Jesus already knew that the human heart was prone to anxiety. So, on the sloping Galilean hillside, in the most powerful sermon ever heard, Jesus gave several reasons why it was irrational for His followers to live in submission to anxiety.


According to Jesus, worry is irrational because life is more than food and clothing (Matthew 6:25), God knows and meets His children’s needs (v.26), worry doesn’t accomplish anything (v.27) and worry is godless (v.32). Jesus’ teaching combats the error that denies God’s care and love by supposing that we can establish our own bright future by temporarily securing our own life needs.


How can we begin to worry less? Firstly, by asking God to search our hearts for any anxious thoughts (Psalm 139:23). Secondly, by casting all our cares upon God (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6-7). Thirdly, by trusting that our heavenly Father knows our needs and will care for us (Matthew 6:32). His steadfast love will uphold us, and His consolation will encourage our hearts (Psalm 94:18-19). 


Finally, we should live God-centred and Spirit-empowered lives (Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:6). When we trust God in our season of worry, our lives will exhibit the blessing and hope that only He can provide (Jeremiah 17:7-8). 


—Marvin Williams