Do Not Worry
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”
Matthew 6:25
In this passage of scripture, Jesus made a very in-depth statement that is often overlooked when this verse is quoted to someone who is having fear about their need being met and their financial resources providing them the stability that they believe they need. Notice also that this verse begins with the word “therefore” which tells us that we need to look at the previous verse to understand the foundation from which Jesus was making His point.
As we look at Matthew 6:24, we find that Jesus was instructing us that no one can serve both God and riches. While there is nothing wrong with being financially prosperous, there is a problem when you begin to love and depend upon your financial resources, rather than on God alone to meet your need. Many Christians are quick to claim God as their source and provider, until they lose their job or have an unexpected event happen that costs them a considerable amount of money. At that point they become fearful, frustrated, and fatigued because all of the sudden their “nest egg” is gone and they begin to say things like; “I just don’t know what I am going to do” or “ I just don’t know how we can make it now.”
When we make fearful statements about our need being met once our financial comfort zone is gone, it exposes an area of weakness in our life that must be dealt with. In the last sentence of Matthew 6:25, Jesus is attempting to direct our attention to an even weightier matter of understanding than what presently consumes the thoughts and lives of many. Notice Jesus ask us the question; “Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Jesus ask this question to motivate us to think about a deeper understanding of why we must depend upon Him and Him alone. You see, satan takes great pleasure in getting God’s children to panic over little things. Furthermore he (satan) finds great joy in being able to disrupt your life with minimal effort, rather than having to spend a great deal of time trying to tear down your wall of faith and dependency on God. However, Jesus is seeking to help us to understand that there is more to life than worrying about having our physical needs met; such as food and clothing, but rather we should be focused on our spiritual state as it relates to our relationship with Him. Jesus said in Mark 8:36; “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world , and loses his own soul?”
Having a solid relationship with God through Christ Jesus, assures us that no matter what comes our way, we know that God is our source of strength and peace during the midst of any uncertain time in our life, especially as it relates to having our physical need met and having financial stability. But think about this; satan doesn’t really care about your worrying that you won’t have money on Friday to buy groceries or pay your bills, because even he knows that God will meet your need. But what he (satan) is after by leading you into worry about having your need met is so you will: 1. Question God’s abilities thereby disrupting your faith, 2. Decide that because of your desperation you can’t afford to pay your tithes or give offerings thereby bringing a curse on your finances, 3. Cause physical problems in your body such as ulcers, anxiety, or stress thereby making you too sick to eat the groceries when they do show up, and 4. Provoke you to making “I just don’t know how” statements thereby demonstrating to those around you your true spiritual integrity during a minor storm. Satan is not interested in just tripping you. No, he wants to make sure you fall down and fall down hard so that it will disrupt your relationship with God which will not only affect your life but also the lives of others around you such as friends, family, co-workers, children, etc. Paul instructed us in Philippians 4:6 to; be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Begin to thank God that He is faithful and that your need has already been met through Christ Jesus. Praise Him that even though you can’t see how things will come through for you, He has already made a way were there seemed to be no way.
Remember; fearfulness allows satan to be in control of your present situation. But faith and praise toward God says that there is no situation because Jesus has already handled it!! – God Bless
-Darren McClerren
A Prayer of Repentance
God, I come to you in Jesus’ name. I confess that I have sinned against You and have come short of Your standards. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to pay the price for my sins. Jesus thank You for dying on the cross for me. I repent of my sins and ask You to be the Lord of my life. I give you my life today and I receive God’s free gift of eternal life. Thank You Lord for saving me. In Jesus Name, Amen.
