The Bible frequently says, "Do Not Worry." That's a command we really want to follow! The Bible says that worry "weighs down the heart" (Proverbs 12:25). We often lose sleep, feel uncomfortable, and create other health problems (which lead to further worry). Thought patterns of worry can even contribute to the loss of control of breathing and other physical symptoms in a "panic attack." We all recognize we would be better off if we could follow this command. However, how do we do it? Simply saying over and over in our mind "Do not worry," will not work!
Fortunately, the Bible gives us the strategy we need to follow this command. While it may not be easy to implement, neither is continuing to worry! We probably would rather have nothing to worry about, than to learn how to not worry. However, Jesus says, "In this world you will have trouble, but take courage! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Jesus outlines a strategy of overcoming worry by addressing issues of the heart first, thinking second, and finally faith in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:25-34.
First, the heart. Jesus begins by saying, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life" (Matthew 6:25). So, "Do not worry," is a command that is the result of the teaching Jesus had just given. He says, "therefore," because the reason we are not to worry is based on the previous principle. What was that principle? "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." That is because treasures of this earth are temporary. Jesus adds, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus urges us to love God and seek His glory above all other things. He returns to this theme again in the passage on worry, concluding that section with, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). If the desires of your heart are aimed in the right direction (God's glory and living to please God), then you are on the path away from worry.
Second, Jesus addresses our thoughts. When your heart is focused on the right thing, you are now ready to correct faulty thinking that leaves the door open to worry.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" -Matthew 6:26-27
Here Jesus invites us to "look" and therefore think about the birds. We cannot imagine them pacing back and forth on a tree branch, worrying about their next meal. We know this doesn't make sense. Jesus wants to make sure we are thinking correctly about God. First, we are more valuable to God than the birds, who he cares for. Second, worrying accomplishes nothing. We cannot improve our situation by worrying. Third, Jesus goes on to say that God knows exactly what our needs are (Matthew 6:32). Jesus keeps explaining that thinking the right thoughts about God is going to lead us away from worry. God is a good God who cares about us and is in complete control of every situation. In addition, He knows exactly what our needs are. When our hearts and thoughts are lined up correctly, where is there room for worry? Yes difficult times will come, but God is in control. He will only let us go through what is ultimately for the good (Romans 8:28).
The final area to work on is faith. Jesus addresses those who worry as having "little faith" (Matthew 6:30). Even if our heart is aimed in the right direction, and we know the right things about God, there is still one possible cause of worry - a lack of faith. We know the right things about God, but are we really trusting Him? Here, we can ask God for help. Jesus says, "Ask and it will be given you" (Matthew 7:7). Paul writes, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). The context of Paul's statement is overcoming worry even in difficult circumstances (see Philippians 4:4-13). Ask for God's help to trust Him in difficult circumstances, and He will answer and give you the strength to do it.
If you are struggling with worry, keep working on these three areas - heart, thinking, and faith. Ask God to help you. Jesus wants you to be free from the burden of worry.
Trust the Bible's purpose is to grow your confidence that the Bible is true and the ultimate resource for life." You can join the Facebook group by clicking here.Trust the Bible is a weekday radio program that begins at about 8:10 each morning on WDOG 93.5 in Allendale, SC. You can listen to previous programs online here: http://www.fairfaxfbc.org/trust-the-bible.html
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