22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word “worry” the following way: “to allow one’s mind to swell on troubles; to harass, be a trouble to; uneasy, troubled in the mind, causing anxiety – a concern about danger or difficulty.” God gives us the following instructions: “Stop that!” Worry is sin and it also demonstrates a lack of faith. The Bible warns us against this mindset. Jesus states the following regarding His second coming and how we are to be prepared:
34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. Luke 21:34 (NIV)
Ever have a heart “weighed down” with worry? I have and it didn’t help a thing! While I am a firm believer in being prepared, there is a huge difference in that and in fretting over outcomes of which we have no control. This is a total waste of energy and time. We must commit our ways to the Lord, working with all diligence and leaving the outcome into His loving hands. I love what the following verses have to say regarding this issue:
3Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Prov 16:3 (NIV)
3Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalms 37:3-6 (NIV)
As we commit our plans to Him (“commit” means bringing our plans and desires to the foot of the cross for consecration – quite literally “to roll in blood” – the blood of Jesus, of course, cleanses all sin) our plans will succeed – no matter what the outcome. All of our plans need to be cleansed from selfish ambitions, vain conceits and the like – things that keep us from God’s best. Where every person wants to be (whether they know it or not) is in the very center of God’s will – that is where we will “enjoy safe pasture”. That is where the peace that passes all understanding resides. We will never experience perfect peace outside of God’s will – never.
If we are not careful, the focus of our minds will tend to be controlled by anxiety over the lesser things of this life. We should, rather, keep our eyes fixed on the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus, who bestows the peace that passes all understanding in all circumstances. Paul tells us in Philippians:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)
Jesus also gives us this great promise:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
All throughout Scripture we are told not to be afraid. Through the examples of God’s Word one sees that the saints who walked closer to God were those that were the least afraid. They knew their God. They knew that He was trustworthy and faithful. They knew that they could depend upon Him. He never changes – He never will. I love the words penned by Jeremiah:
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jer 31:3 (NIV)
In Hosea we find the same sentiments echoed:
4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. Hosea 11:4 (NIV)
Lastly, Isaiah gives these encouraging words:
11He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
“Why will you tolerate any idea of discouragement? Nothing can ever be accomplished for good in this frame of mind. Sin brings forth death; and any negative current flowing within your body will produce a steady regression. I will prepare within you a different attitude of mind. Thoughts that have been in confusion, I will reorganize. I will not bring to bear upon you pressures that will weaken you. I will be the strength you need. I will be the inner fortification that will bear you up even in the time of strain and crisis. Saturate your soul in the oil of the Holy Spirit, and keep your channel of communication always open to your heavenly Father. His desire is toward you, and He will be your strong habitation.” Frances J. Roberts