But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV
What is the difference between a worry and a concern? Some may say they’re identical, but Jesus told us not to worry. He never told us not to be concerned. In a recent podcast, Dr. Tony Evans said that worry is concern on steroids.
When we are concerned about our health, kids, or bills, we are in control. That’s concern, but when it evolves into worry, worry controls us. Worry keeps us awake at night. Worry makes us nervous and fidgety. Worry keeps us from eating, or sometimes worry makes us eat too much. Worry is a stronghold, a mindset that believes nothing can change.
Some people mistakenly believe it’s normal to worry. Normal for an unbeliever, but not the child of God.
Jesus preached to the multitudes about worry. They had more to worry about than we do. They were worried about where their next meal was coming from. They didn’t have a McDonalds or Walmart down the street. They didn’t even have a refrigerator.
They also worried about clothes, but not like we do today. They weren’t worried about how it looked or which outfit they should wear next weekend. They just wanted to cover their nakedness and stay warm.
Some of us will worry about anything. We’ll even worry about what we should worry about. Most of us know where the next several meals are coming from, and we have closets full of clothes. Worry has become acceptable in our society, especially in the church.
Allow me to share what worry is. Worry is a sin. That’s right. It’s right up there with murder and adultery. Jesus said Do not worry. That’s a command, one we break more than we want to admit.
Many years ago, I was cleaning the house as I listened to a radio preacher. I’ll never forget the conviction I felt when he explained that worry is an affront to God. We greatly offend God when we worry. Throughout Scripture, we read about faith, trusting God. We declare that we trust God. We trust God to get us to heaven, but we can’t trust Him to get us through today.
That long-ago day, I was grieved because I had offended my Father. I was worried about my husband’s leukemia, plus a million other things. I couldn’t fully trust God because I thought He would take my husband’s life. From that day forward, I began to learn to really trust God.
God controls the universe. He takes care of us. Plus, He’s our Daddy. As long as we seek His will, we have no reason to worry at all.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for worrying and allowing normal concerns to rob us of Your peace. Help us today to trust You with everything, big and small. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Matthew. 6:25-34.
HIKING THE TRAIL
What one thing worries you the most? Use a topical Bible and find verses on that subject. Read them often and memorize one of them. Use it when you pray. Place it somewhere you will be reminded often.
Overcoming the Overwhelming: Walking in Victorious Faith When You Don’t Feel Victorious is now available in the shop. Get your signed copy HERE
Originally posted on January 31, 2020 @ 3:00 am