Matthew 6: 27, 33-34, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. NIV
Have you been worrying about anything recently? Excessive worrying and chronic stress can cause a multitude of health issues. We have all been there and me included. It has been documented and is considered a scientific fact that excessive worrying can affect the heart, blood vessels, muscle tightness, digestive problems, and cause headaches. One source reported a higher risk of diseases and even diabetes, can be brought on by excessive worrying. The prefrontal cortex of the brain is where logical thinking and decision making happen. But when anxiety kicks in staying calm may be more difficult. The body’s nervous system will then release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (perhaps this could contribute to my high cholesterol). These hormones can cause physical reactions such as muscle tension, fast heartbeat, and other health problems. Yet God’s Word provides comfort and reassurance that we are not alone in our concerns. God is concerned about our well-being, so how can we, instead of carrying our burden, better commit our needs to Him and leave them there for Him to handle?
Matthew 5-7 is called the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught the disciples that what matters is faithful obedience to God from the heart, which leads to genuine love for God and others and transforms lives. In Matt. 6:25-34, Jesus taught against worrying because it stems from a lack of faith and trust in God’s provisional care. God wants us to give it to Him – cast it onto Him (1 Peter 5:7), because He is our divine caregiver who created us. He promises to uphold us and sustain us.
- “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.
- “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22.
David Guzik states in his Blue Letter Commentary of Matthew 6:25, “We are to be concerned with the right things; the ultimate issues of life – and we then leave the management (and the worry) over material things with our heavenly Father. . . Worrying accomplishes nothing; we can add nothing to our lives by worrying. There may be greater sins than worry, but there are none more self-defeating and useless.” Think about it, worrying cannot change the future or one’s circumstances.
Instead, hold tight to Scripture verses that give direction, wisdom, comfort, and direction as you seek to be free from undue concern about a trying and seemingly impossible situation. Seek after God as He will never ignore those who depend upon Him (Matt. 6:28-30). Look closely at verse 33 in Matt. 6. Did Jesus just tell them to stop worrying? No, He told them to replace worry (fear) with concern for the kingdom of God. Worrying can be a habit and must be replaced with a more excellent habit or passion for finding out the will of God and a commitment to align with His purpose first and totally. We need to rest in fellowship with our lovingly heavenly Father. The choice is up to us, taking one day at a time and growing in our faith and trust in our Lord and Savior. Worry and anxiety is one’s enemy. Instead, thank God for today. Thank Him for His goodness. Focus on Him instead of the problem or the mistake you have made. Say, “Thy will be done” (Matt. 6:10). Then you will experience God’s peace (Philippians 4:7), one day at a time.
Listen to Danny Gokey – Only For A Moment (Lyrics).