Anxiety, Fear and Worry
We live in a world full of people who are consumed by worry and fear. The news is full of things that could cause anxiety. Many people are obsessed with inflation and what will happen to their money. Worldly people invest their entire lives in these transitory things..
Jesus calls His followers to have a different focus. In Matthew 6:25 He said, “Do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?”
While instructing us to “not be anxious,” Jesus revealed three truths that should immediately banish anxious thoughts.
1. God makes provision for us (Matt. 6:25-30)
2. God knows what we need (vv. 31, 32)
3. Each day has enough trouble of its own (vv. 33, 34)
God Makes Provision
Jesus provided a wonderful example of God’s provision in this passage, “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (v. 26). Birds have no planting or harvesting program, and they have no buildings in which to store goods. Birds are not worried about the weather or the economy; anxiety is not part of their nature. But they don’t suffer hunger, because God feeds them.
Jesus used a simple illustration to make His point that God’s provision should do away with worry. But what is the application? “Are you not worth much more than they?” (v. 26). God perfectly takes care of the birds, and He will certainly also take care of us.
God Knows Our Needs
Jesus continued, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (vv. 31, 32). Earlier Jesus said, “For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (v. 8). God already knows what we need and will faithfully provide for us. Our worrying will not help meet our needs and shows a lack of faith in God’s care and provision.
Each Day Has Enough Trouble
Jesus went on to say, “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself [literally, be anxious for itself]. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (v. 34).
God gives us the grace to trust Him for today. Tomorrow, and each day afterward He will do the same.
Instead of worrying, Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (v. 33). We are not to be troubled or anxious. God will take care of us. We are free to follow Christ.
Paul later continued this theme of worry-free living, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6, 7).
Let us endeavor each day to put aside worry and trust completely in God’s faithful care and provision.