Remember that song, “Don’t worry, be happy?” It was a catchy tune, but it didn’t provide much to help us stop worrying. Jesus, however, told us exactly how to stop worrying. Apparently, 2000+ years ago, people also worried. Jesus didn’t sing a jingle. Instead, He said this:
“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? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?
You of little faith! 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. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:25-34
If the Lord does not want us to worry about what we will eat, what we will drink, or whether we will have clothing to wear, do you think He wants us to worry about other, non-essential things? Likely not.
Today’s passage is packed with spiritual truth about our value and worth to God. Understanding our true value in the sight of God is the key to releasing worry, fear, and anxiety.
Consider taking a 5-minute walk outside today. Check out the multitude of animals and plants that are all thriving under God’s provision. Look around and realize that the Lord is making sure that each critter, down to the tiny bug, gets what it needs each day. With a mouth to speak and a life that can give glory to the Lord, how much more will God care for you?
Today’s passage also points out the obvious: worry does no good. Worry is one of those behaviors that the Lord would like us to give up so that our behavior sets us apart as a Christ-followers.
Jesus told us why we should stop the madness of worry and stress over our needs: your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But, when it seems like so much is at stake in your life, how do we stop worrying and stressing? The answer is also in today’s passage: seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Seek God first, in all that you do, and the rest will take care of itself.
The song should say, “Seek God, Be Happy!”
Try these 3 steps when the worry rises up it’s ugly (and useless) head:
- Pray a verse that reminds you of God’s power or provision.
- Look out your window or go outside. God’s provision is so evident in His creation. While you look, remember today’s passage ~ that you are certainly more valuable to God than the grass or the birds.
- Ask God to help you with your unbelief. Ask Him to help you stand up against worry. Claim your position as a child of God and release the worry to the only One who can do anything about it!
How do you stop stressing? Do you have something that helps you seek God first?