The world is filled with worry right now.
People are worried about COVID-19, the fires, financial uncertainty, the upcoming election, and many other events going on in today’s world. I wonder, what have you been worried about most lately? Whatever you have been worried about, I can assure you this, God does not want you to be worried!
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us why we should never worry. I want to share four reasons why you should never worry from Matthew 6:25-34. If you believe and live out these principles, you will be set free from the weight of worry that might be crushing you right now.
First, Have a Life’s Purpose
Matthew 6:25 says, “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (emphasis added)
We often worry about worldly things such as food, money, clothing, and etc. Jesus tells us to not worry about the temporal things of this world, because our life is made for “more.” The primary purpose of your life is not about what you have but who you know. Colossians 1:16b says, “All things have been created through Him and for Him.” Your life’s purpose is to have personal relationship with God. When you remind yourself of your life’s purpose, it will allow you to put all of the temporal stuff in its proper place, which will drastically reduce worry in your life.
Second, Know Your Life’s Value
Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do no sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (emphasis added)
When we worry, it is often because we feel as if we have to solve the problem all by ourselves. We can feel alone and as a result, feel fearful. When you realize that you are valued highly by the Creator of all things, you will realize that you are not alone in whatever you are worried about! God values you so much that He was willing to pay for your salvation with the blood of His one and only Son. Surely if Jesus was willing to die for you, He will be with you and will guide you through whatever you are worried about! (Romans 8:32)
Third, Use Your Time Wisely
Matthew 6:27 says, “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Jesus asked a brilliant rhetorical question here so that we can reflect on the result of our worries. The obvious answer to His question is, “OF COURSE NOT!” Worry is always a waste of time! Worrying is like running on a treadmill. There is a lot of movement, but you do not go anywhere new, because you stay in the same place. When you realize worry is a waste of time because it only empties your current moment of all joy, you can then use your time more wisely by living out God’s will for your life in that moment, rather than worrying.
Fourthly, Jesus is Worth Trusting
Matthew 6:28-30 says, “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith?”
At the end of verse 30, Jesus reveals to us the root of all our worries. The root of all worry is a lack of faith in God. When we lack faith in God, it is not because He has ceased being faithful, it is because our faith is lacking and is in need of being strengthened. Whatever you are worried about, you can know this. Jesus is worth trusting and you can come to Him with whatever you are worried about. You can trust that His plan will prevail in your life and that in the end, all things will work out for your good, no matter what happens. (Romans 8:28)
East Hills Community Church is at a pivotal time in its history. Maybe you have been worried about what the future might hold for the church. I would be lying to you if I said that I have not been worried about my future and what it might hold at times too. However, all of the weight of our worries ceases to crush us when we let the One who can carry any load bear our burdens for us.
Let’s trust Jesus together during this time of transition!
I’d love to be your pastor!
Pastor Josh Smith
