A Better Way: Worry

October 26th, 2021
by Matt Parker

I don't know who needs to hear this, but God is in control, and He has your best in mind.

We too often get so caught up in the details and disasters that surround us in the moment that we forget to look up and see the beauty of God's creative work in our lives. We too often miss great opportunities for worship and peace because of our fear, worry, and anxiety.

Consider this passage from Matthew 6:

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.

It's hard sometimes, especially if you have experienced some significant trauma. You've experienced the worst case scenario, so it doesn't seem so unlikely that the worst will happen. It's harder to trust that things will work out ok.

Ultimately, though we're talking about our belief that God is in control and cares deeply for us.

Here are some truths that you may need to meditate on today, and take some time to go outside and observe these things in their full reality:

God cares more for you and me than grass, flowers, and birds. And they are well-cared for and have all the things they need. They are beautiful and so are you.
Worry reveals a lack of trust that God really will take care of us, or that He really does keep His promises. And this is understandable, given what you've experienced in your past. But God's desire is for us trust Him.
If we seek God above all, and properly orient our lives around Him as our one priority, He will provide for our basic needs. And He gives us so much more in this life that we just get to enjoy!

Maybe you need a little refresher in the goodness of God, or maybe you know someone who is struggling right now with worry and cares that are weighing them down. Outside of clichés and meaningless pleasantries, how can you truly encourage your friend who is burdened? How can you truly encourage your kids, who are worried and facing a variety of anxieties.

Jesus offers us a better way.

Posted in Student Parents