We worry when we think wrongly about things that might happen. Worry is about something that isn’t! To be a worrier is to have a divided mind. The conflict is between right and wrong thoughts. It is a concern over the future. However, the future is not here and you can’t do anything about it! You cannot control it. You cannot control the unknown. It is wrong thinking to worry. Jesus tells us three times in the Sermon on the Mount.

It is not wrong to plan ahead or be concerned about things. You have to protect yourself and others. Worry is generally over the future over which we have zero control. Concern is over the present and we can usually do some things to overcome a problem.

1 – Facing the giant of worry

There are things that we should remember when we face worry:-

• It is inconsistent (vs. 25). It does not make sense. If we believe that God made us, then He will provide our needs. If God is able to provide the greater then the lesser is sure to follow. God has provided life so why worry about the smaller details of food and clothes.
• It is irrational (vs. 26). Will God help you? Jesus argues this time from the lesser to the greater. If God provides for birds then he will provide for you. Humans are of greater value from God’s perspective. See Matthew 10:29-31 and Luke 12:6. If you spend one penny you get two sparrows. If you spend two pennies you get five sparrows – you get an extra sparrow for free. God sees every sparrow – even the one that was thrown in free! If God also knows every hair in your head then it makes sense he knows about the greater things.
• It is ineffective (vs. 27). A cubic is about 18 inches. You can’t add to your height by worrying. You can’t add even one minute to your life by worrying. You can certainly subtract from your life. Let it go. Give it to God. We need the strength of today for the sorrow we may face tomorrow.
• It is illogical (vs. 28-30). There is a world full of beauty. King Solomon’s great empire does not compare even close to the splendour of God’s creation. Look around. If God cares that much about the grass, why would He care less for you?
• It is irreligious (vs. 31-32). When we worry we forget who we are and behave like the heathen gentiles. We act like unbelievers. We are showing in our actions that we don’t believe God is in control. We are like those who worship dumb idols. We might have momentary worry but we won’t stay there. Don’t let worry move in! Don’t act like you don’t believe.

2 – Fighting the giant of worry (vs. 33-34)

How can we win against this giant of worry?

• Set priorities (vs. 33). We cannot have a divided heart that is caught up in material things. God’s kingdom is to be the number one priority. Make God the centre of your life. The other issues can follow behind. When other things take priority, then worry follows. Put God in front!
• Set program (vs. 34). Do not dwell on your tomorrows. See Deuteronomy 33:25. You have enough to contend with today without living for tomorrow. You only have strength for today. God will give you grace today and tomorrow. Do not dwell on your yesterdays. We worry about yesterday’s sins. You can’t make a done thing undone. You have to leave your sins behind. Don’t dwell on yesterday’s successes as they can drop to failure tomorrow. Live for today and not yesterday or tomorrow. The Bible gives us plenty of advice. See Psalm 50:15; 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7 and Philippians 4:6-7. We are to not worry about anything and pray about everything!

Categories: Matthew