Worry. Some of us are better at it than others, but we all do it from time to time. We worry about our kids. Our health. Our relationships. We worry about our finances. Our careers. Or our future. It can be hard not to worry, especially if there’s something that’s putting any one of these things at risk.
Since I’m a pretty good worrier, I absolutely love chapter six in the book of Matthew…
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear…” (v. 25, Life Application Bible, new revised standard version)
Sure, someone’s got to worry about the schedule, and what’s for dinner, and if the kids’ clothes still fit them. Of course we should think ahead and make plans in life. But this chapter is talking about much more than that. It’s talking about worry in general, and Jesus asks a question that really helps me to put it into perspective.
“Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (v.27)
The answer’s no. In fact, worry can take away from our life by stealing our focus and energy from what’s really important.
So why do I do it anyway? When my kids were babies, I worried about things like SIDS and choking. When they became toddlers, I worried about them getting lost at the mall or falling into someone’s pool. And now that they’re in elementary school, no surprise, I’ve found new things to worry about. (I told you I was good at it.)
But I have help. Awesome help.
When I remember to turn to God with my concerns, rather than stewing and fretting on my own, somehow my worries become less. Somehow, I’m able to “let go” and refocus. When I pray about what’s bothering me and stop trying to figure everything out for myself, it’s as if a huge weight is lifted. It’s such a relief to remember that God is bigger than any of my problems.
So even though I’m a worrier, there’s hope for me. Because as it says in verse 34, God knows my needs and promises if I focus on him first, He’ll take care of me. Me and my worries.
Thank you Genny so much for this much-needed reminder.
Those two verses are ones that I try so hard to focus on, but I seem to fail daily. I constantly need to breath those words in and out, and in and out.
I am more than just a worrier. I have a full-fledged anxiety disorder that torments me. I know that Satan loves to mess with my mind and thus my entire body as the worry takes form and makes me physically ill.
I will try today to truly focus on those verses and hand my worries back to God.
Thank you Genny!
You and I would probably get along well. I call worrying a pastime. It’s not that I enjoy it, it just comes so naturally. And it got worse when I had kids. This week was a tremendous lesson. My 19 month old had eye surgery. Now I’ve had 6 months to worry about this. I’ve prayed like crazy but still worried. (What mom wouldn’t??) Then, when the surgery took twice as long as they said, I kicked into high gear. When we were finally in recovery with him, I fainted! I really think the worry got the best of me!!
Anyway, I am so thankful, like you that God is bigger than any problems. I was reminded to focus my energy on prayer instead of worry. It was not easy but I shudder to think what this week would have been like without the strong arms of Jesus to lean on.
Thanks for a wonderful devotional. I’m so glad Faith Lifts is back!! You have a true gift with writing Genny! You totally convicted me and moved me all at the same time!!
I love those verses! Seek ye first is my life verse. I’m a bit of a worrier myself. Thanks for this great reminder!!
Thanks so much for this I have a hard time letting go of my past. I keep beating myself up but I know it’s not healthy. From now on I am going to turn all my problems over to Jesus Christ because I know he will make a way.