Day 1 - Do Not Worry

Reading Passage: Matthew 6:25

Whenever I think about worry, I naturally hear Bobby McFerrin’s song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” in my head. As if a catchy little tune would magically make all my worries disappear. It doesn’t, by the way. But warning: it does get a song stuck in your head for the rest of the day (sorry to all of you that are now singing it).

The reality is that anxiety doesn’t go away easily. It’s something that can plague us pretty deeply and overtake our thought life, our energy, and our motivation. Am I right?

Jesus knew we would struggle with fear. The gospels are riddled with Jesus continually telling people “do not be afraid” or “do not worry.” He even spent time during His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6 to talk about it, starting off with:

“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?” Matthew 6:25, NIV (emphasis added)

Keep in mind, right before Jesus started talking about worry, He was talking about being careful of what we value here on earth and instead encouraged us to focus on treasures in Heaven. 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21, NIV

It’s easy for us to be overwhelmed with anxiety if we are putting our hope in the things of this world. We can easily find our identity, our hope, our joy in the things this world offers us. But Jesus then goes on to talk about how no one can serve two masters.

How often is your worry or anxiety tied to something here on earth? What master are you serving?

When we have an eternal perspective, the immediate troubles of this world fade away.

Take the apostle Paul for example. He experienced trouble first hand as he penned a letter to the church of Philippi while sitting in jail, of all places! Of anyone, Paul should have been overwhelmed with anxiety but instead, he said,

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, CSB)

Now THAT’S a song worth singing. One that gives thanks and praise to God in all circumstances because we are focused on our eternity with Him, rather than on the distractions and heartache of this world. Consider the peace the world offers, one that rises and falls with your circumstances. Now consider the peace of God, that guards your heart and mind and surpasses your circumstances!

Lord, thank you for sending your Son into this world so that we can experience the peace that comes only from you. Please help us to keep our hearts and minds guarded from the worries of this world and instead remain focused on life with you in Heaven. Amen.