Scripture Notes: Worry (Matthew 6)

“And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to the span of his life?” Jesus challenges every one of us with this question, especially those of us who are prone to letting our worries run away with us. Just before He speaks these words Jesus tells us not to be anxious about our lives, about what we should eat or drink or wear. There is simply more to life than these things. God knows that we need them, and He provides them. If He does this for the birds and the flowers, He will certainly do this for us. We are more important than birds and flowers, for we are God’s children.

But do we really believe this? We might claim to. We certainly want to. But do we live like we do? Do we actively fight against our worries? Do we place them in God’s hands, trusting that He really will care for us, just as He promised? The honest answer for most of us is “no,” for in our fallen nature, worry often overwhelms us, and our faith and trust slip.

There are many things in life that we cannot change, many things we do not understand. But God is in control over every single one of them. What He wills and allows is always for our good in some way. So what have we to worry about? As Jesus asks, can being anxious add even a minute to our lives? In other words, will it do any good? No.

So what should we do then? Jesus tells us, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Put God first. Focus on Him. Believe in Him; trust Him; love Him. Be right with Him. Cast our cares upon Him in trusting prayer, knowing that He cares for us more than we can imagine (1 Peter 5:7). And truly believe that He works all things for good for those of us who love Him (Romans 8:28).