In what is called the “Sermon on the Mount”, (recorded in Matthew 5 thru 7) Jesus taught on many things. About the old Law, and how he came to fulfill it, about the new law of Love, about anger, about revenge, about loving our enemies, about giving, about prayer, about vows, about money, about worry, and many other things as well. Each topic a Sermon, and great Message within itself, but we will only touch on one today. “Worry”. Sadly, many of our Brothers and Sisters are very worried right now because of the state of the world, but Jesus said, “Do not worry.”
Jesus came to this world to save Mankind. This He did by taking every wrong that every person, past present, and future, has committed, or will commit, upon Himself, and made things right by paying the price for them. His shed blood covered them all. Our loving, forgiving, Father of grace and mercy desired it, and declared it to be so.
As someone put so well, “Worry can damage our health, cause the object of what we are worrying about to consume our thoughts and shut out what we should be thinking about, thereby disrupting our productivity, wrongly impact the way we treat others, and reduce our ability to trust God.”
As another puts it, “1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. 2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today. 3. Worrying is more harmful, than helpful, 4. Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God. 5. Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue. There is no value in worry.
The Lord pointed out in His Message recorded in Matthew 6: 25-34, Father knows what we need, and He sets a wonderful table every day to provide it – for us, and every living thing. He said live this life one day at a time, trust and look to Him, and watch Him bring about what you need for the day. Just show up, work the work He has given you to do in the best way you know how, and watch it come together in a way that you cannot script beforehand. He said, “Seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Jesus came that we might have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) To have that blessing, we must believe it is ours. When we do we will not worry.
Obviously there are things that we should be concerned about. But, here is the difference between worry, and concern. Worry immobilizes. Concern moves us to action.
May the Lord bless you, and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may He turn His face toward you, and give you peace. You are greatly loved. Do not worry. Let the peace of God rule your heart.
Poppa B.