In these uncertain economic times and, with the state of the world in chaos, it would be ludicrous to say, “Don’t worry.“
This Matthew Bible study answers the question; “What did Jesus say about worry?” and I was enlightened by these verses. I hope you will be too.
Matthew 6:25-34 tells what Jesus has to say about worry. This passage highlights one of the biggest struggles we face as humans – worrying about the cares of life. So, let’s think about what Jesus says about worry as we ponder these verses.
Why Do We Worry?
In a world filled with uncertainties, anxieties, and challenges, it’s easy to become consumed by worry. From concerns about our health, finances, relationships, to the future itself, the list of potential worries seems endless. We worry and stress about …
- The pandemic,
- wars and conflicts around the world,
- jobs,
- other nations,
- the direction our country is taking
and other matters over which we have little control. Yet, in the midst of these turbulent times, Jesus offers us a profound message of hope and reassurance. I hope studying these verses will help simplify your life a little. With God, concerns in our lives turn out better than without Him. So…
Exactly What Did Jesus Say about Worry?
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
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.
Are you not worth much more than they?
And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? – Matthew 6:25-27 NASB
What Are You Worried about Today?
What Are You Worried about Today? Are you concerned about a specific event, situation, or individual? Many people struggle with these specifics.
On the other hand, some people may not be worried about anything specific. They may just feel a general sense of anxiety or unease that comes and goes. This can be a sign of depression or anxiety. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to recognize how you feel and what really bothers you.
A few of the things which concern us and control our thoughts on a daily basis include:
- What about my bills and credit card debt?
- What about my health?
- What about my relationship with wife/husband?
- What about my job?
- What about my standing in the community?
All these things are important and have to be dealt with but Jesus says not to spend all our time worrying about them.
If we focus on what has not yet happened, we might miss the joy we could have today.
I once read a quote that still stands out in my mind. It says;
“Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”
Definition of Worry:
I looked up the word “worry” in the online dictionary and found some interesting (and amusing) definitions for the word.
Here is what I discovered for the word “worry“..
- to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.
- to move with effort: an old car worrying uphill. –verb (used with object)
- to torment with cares, anxieties, etc.; trouble; plague.
- to seize, esp. by the throat, with the teeth and shake or mangle, as one animal does another.
- to harass by repeated biting, snapping, etc.
- noun. a worried condition or feeling; uneasiness or anxiety.
- a cause of uneasiness or anxiety; trouble.
- act of worrying.
- Fox Hunting. the action of the hounds in tearing to pieces the carcass of a fox.
Worry: Waste or Progress?
Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted.
You know, even though most of these definitions for worry are about different subjects, many of them could apply to our own lives when worry takes hold.
We do sometimes feel as if we are “moving with effort“ as an old car or even get the feeling we are being torn apart because of our anxiety. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference. For example, we might have difficulty sleeping, feel tense and irritable, or experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.
I know I’ve felt some of these symptoms from time to time. My guess is, you have too.
What Good Comes from Worry? What Did Jesus Say about Worry?
Jesus tells us that worry will steal away our happiness and keep us from pursuing more important goals; especially the goal of establishing our relationship with God.
He says a person can worry for years and still not “add a single hour to his life“.
I don’t remember who, but someone once told me that worrying about a task is almost always worst than doing it.
This has stuck with me through the years and I try to draw from it in times of difficulty.
And, the great Martin Luthor said, “pray; and let God worry.“
What about Planning for the Future?
As a person who managed a business for over 30 years, I am a huge believer in planning. I also believe that planning for the future helps to relieve some of the pressures and stress that comes with uncertainty in life. Yes, putting together a plan eliminates some of our worries.
So, planning is not a bad thing. Casual planning is thinking ahead about:
- goals,
- steps,
- schedules,
- and trusting in God’s guidance.
When done in the right way, planning can help alleviate worry.
That ugly word – Fear!
Worriers, by contrast, become consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Matthew 6:33 says:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.“
Dr David Jeremiah recorded a very detailed video about fear and depression which really helps those who are concerned. You can watch it here.
Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today. Plan for the future but live life richly for God today.
God is real. Worry is something that might or might not happen. Jesus says “the birds of the air” don’t worry about the future — and neither should we. It’s in God’s hands. Trust Him.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here to read John 3:16.