Matt 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry~| about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?”
Worry is a paralyzing and debilitating mental process that cripples many believers into apathy and isolation.
Fear of failure, doubts about our needs being met, insecurities from a variety of sources (e.g., criticisms, risks, losses, or rejection), or unpopularity are but a few of the possible root problems that cause worry or anxiety. However, these problems all stem from our basic distrust of God’s ability to intervene helpfully in life’s affairs. Can we trust Him?
Matthew 6:25 begins with “therefore,” looking back to where Jesus had just declared a reality of life: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (6:24). This means “wealth, a personification of riches, the comprehensive word for all kinds of possessions, earnings, or the god of materialism.”
Everyone will direct his energy, talents, ambitions, time commitments, emotional focus, and desires toward what he believes will meet his primary needs in life.
The question is, who can meet these needs? If it all depends on me and my performance in various areas of life, then worry and anxiety are normal. Can I say that it matters more to me to please God than to please myself? The belief that money will give us security is idolatry.
Therefore the command to “stop worrying,” means not to “be anxious, or be (unduly) concerned” about any and all aspects of your life; live thoughtlessly, though not foolishly, in regard to your basic needs.
What is Jesus asking of us? He is asking us not to consider our personal security, or any other need we may have, when contemplating how we will obey the command to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33). He promises to provide everything we will need.
Jesus is looking for men and women willing to serve Him without fear of what it may cost. With no thought of what you may lose, or how you may live, could you trust Jesus for what you will “need?” Will “stuff” keep you from giving your life for the gospel’s sake?
“Lord Jesus, You are the blessed controller of all things! You are trustworthy! There is no justification for me to worry about my life as long as I am seeking to obey Your word and to accomplish Your purpose each day. Thank You, Lord.”