Our body can be scared by worry. It can manifest itself in ulcers for example. Worry is a dark side that can lead you to an early grave. We need to face this hidden worry and deal with it. Jesus gives us the answer to worry.

1 – The definition of worry (vs. 27)

The Greek word means to “divide your mind”. You are divided on what to do. Don’t worry does not mean do not plan. There is plenty of evidence that Jesus planned with his disciples. It is insane to not plan. Don’t worry does not mean to not be concerned. Of course we are concerned if our children want to play near traffic. What is the difference between concern and worry? Concern thinks about the present while worry thinks about the future. You can’t control the future. It is a day that you may not even see! At least you won’t be worrying then! Jesus tells us again and again not to worry. We are to take no thought about worry. It is to come to an end.

2 – The description of worry (vs. 25-32)

Notice the following about worry:-

• Worry is inconsistent. The one who created your body can look after your body. If God can do the great things and create life then surely He can sustain our lives. If you believe this then it is inconsistent to worry. God can handle your problems because He made you.
• Worry is irrational. Look at what God does with the birds. If God can have the birds singing in the morning then He can look after us. Go outside at look at the birds. See Matthew 10:28-31. God looks after the sparrows. If you worry you don’t subtract your problem but rather multiply it. You upset others as well as yourself. Worry won’t make you grow taller or make the problem go away. It is like a hamster running around on a wheel in a cage. Worry does not get you anywhere.
• Worry is illogical. It does not make any sense. We need to look at the splendour of God in the flowers. They don’t last but God clothes them again and again. If God will do this for the flowers then how much more will God look after you! Oh where is your faith! Solomon’s glory could not compare to what God does in His creation every day. You don’t have to pay someone for help with worry or take pills. All you have to do is quit worrying. God is in control. It requires faith!
• Worry is irreligious. If you are saved then act like it. The Gentiles are those who worry. It is sinners who are worried. We need to stop worrying and live like we profess.

3 – The destruction of worry (vs. 33-34)

How do you get rid of it?

• You need systematic priorities. (vs. 33) Get your priorities off yourself first and on God’s kingdom. This is God’s Word. Do you believe the Bible? It is simple and not that difficult. Seek first God’s kingdom. Get your mind off yourself and hand control over to God. He is to be first. He is the most important thing in our lives. If we do this then our worries go down the drain.
• You need a strategic program. (vs. 34). Tomorrow is too heavy for you to carry today. You can’t carry all your shopping bags in one go. You carry the bags of today and leave the bags of tomorrow. When travelling down the highway of life you need to set up a road closed sign on the way that leads to the future. This road is not complete so you can’t go down that road. We are to live in the present. Our program is for today. Don’t dwell on tomorrow’s stress. Your strength is not in tomorrow. It is in today. See Deuteronomy 33:25. Yesterday is gone so there is no point worrying about it! Yesterday may have been a mess but you don’t need to replay it again and again. We need to trust in God with your luggage. Don’t dwell on yesterday’s success. The good old days need to be repeated today. Don’t be distressed but rather be blessed. Hand it all over to the Lord! See Philippians 4:6-7. We are not to worry about a thing. We can pray and live our lives with joy and peace knowing that God is in control. Pray about everything and worry about nothing!

Categories: Matthew