Are you a person who defines yourself as a worrier? Anxiety is something everyone battles or succumbs to in varying degrees, and through Jesus Christ we can conquer it. I don't know anyone who enjoys being anxious, but I know many people who are. Worrying is so common in many people's lives they do not even recognise when they are carried away by worries like driftwood in floodwater. When we follow the "what if" road to the final destination we discover it is a circuit that only leads to more worry without an end in sight. Recognising our tendency to worry is a key step to seeking the deliverance we need by the grace of God.
Jesus commanded His disciples not to worry. He said in Luke 12:24-30: "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things." Instead of worrying about circumstances, stuff, or the future, the eyes of a child of God are to be fixed on Him with expectancy, realising He knows our needs and is able to supply them. In Sydney there is abundant wildlife, and God daily provides for the many beautiful birds that roost here. Worrying or considering every possibility does not provide the power to address my problem. Jesus asked, "If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?"
Having one bird as a pet requires a fair bit of planning, resources, and care, yet God is able to supply the needs of all. A child does not grow by worrying, and flowers do not bloom by working at it. If we will answer Christ's question honestly, we worry because we really do not trust Him. We cannot see how God could redeem a situation, so we wonder if He will. In our desperation to see our needs supplied worry blinds us to God's past provision and promise to provide presently. Instead of seeking what to eat or drink, we are to seek God and His righteousness (Luke 12:31). The greatest need we have in this life is to trust God and repent of our sin, and this includes worry. We typically justify our anxious minds because no one seems to realise the gravity of our situation as we do; our situation feels like an sensible exception to the command of Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
The things we worry about are the things we ought to pray to God about - with thanksgiving! We often do not know the peace of God because we have not met His conditions to seek God and make our requests known to Him. When we choose to thank God in any circumstance without an anxious mind, it reveals we actually are walking in faith. Then the peace of God will guard us from all worries, fears, and cares of this world which try to worm their way into our minds and hearts. Praise the LORD this peace does not depend on my resolve or ability, but through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us. We cannot help worrying, but God will help those who ask Him believing and thanking Him no matter what.
Jesus commanded His disciples not to worry. He said in Luke 12:24-30: "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things." Instead of worrying about circumstances, stuff, or the future, the eyes of a child of God are to be fixed on Him with expectancy, realising He knows our needs and is able to supply them. In Sydney there is abundant wildlife, and God daily provides for the many beautiful birds that roost here. Worrying or considering every possibility does not provide the power to address my problem. Jesus asked, "If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?"
Having one bird as a pet requires a fair bit of planning, resources, and care, yet God is able to supply the needs of all. A child does not grow by worrying, and flowers do not bloom by working at it. If we will answer Christ's question honestly, we worry because we really do not trust Him. We cannot see how God could redeem a situation, so we wonder if He will. In our desperation to see our needs supplied worry blinds us to God's past provision and promise to provide presently. Instead of seeking what to eat or drink, we are to seek God and His righteousness (Luke 12:31). The greatest need we have in this life is to trust God and repent of our sin, and this includes worry. We typically justify our anxious minds because no one seems to realise the gravity of our situation as we do; our situation feels like an sensible exception to the command of Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
The things we worry about are the things we ought to pray to God about - with thanksgiving! We often do not know the peace of God because we have not met His conditions to seek God and make our requests known to Him. When we choose to thank God in any circumstance without an anxious mind, it reveals we actually are walking in faith. Then the peace of God will guard us from all worries, fears, and cares of this world which try to worm their way into our minds and hearts. Praise the LORD this peace does not depend on my resolve or ability, but through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us. We cannot help worrying, but God will help those who ask Him believing and thanking Him no matter what.
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