Don’t Worry… Be Happy
Choose Your Yoke – Part VIII
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-33 NLT
Key Verse: Matthew 6:27 NLT
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
We have previously looked at Matthew 6:25-33 in our study of worry.
In today’s Scripture Reading, Jesus makes a case against worry. According to Jesus, worry is useless for two reasons: First, God is on our side, and He is working all things out for our good. Second, worry cannot add one thing good to our lives… it is useless.
Let’s distinguish between “concern” and “worry”. Of course, when problems come our way, we have concern about them. For most problems, there are things that we can do.
For example, a mature person does not think that God pays their bills and therefore they can spend their money on whatever they want. A mature person looks at the problems that come their way and figures out how to deal with the issues.
Once we have done all we know to do, then we need to fight “worry”. Worry is thinking that something “might” happen in our future. Worry is not doing something about a problem, it is simply thinking about it… with great anxiety.
It is not easy to stop worrying. When we care about a situation, then it is hard not to worry about its outcome.
But remember the question that Jesus asks: “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Everyone knows the answer… simply having anxiety over a problem does not resolve it. Jesus is saying that since worry cannot help, then discipline your mind to stop worrying and instead rest in God’s wonderful care!
I have found that I cannot stop worrying by merely telling myself to “stop worrying”! I must replace those thoughts with truth. For me, that is repeating scriptures that the Holy Spirit brings to my mind. These are scriptures that I have tried to memorize along my journey with God.
Therefore, it is important to do what the Psalmist David did:
I praise You, O LORD; teach me Your decrees.
I have recited aloud all the regulations You have given us.
I have rejoiced in Your laws as much as in riches.
I will study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways.
I will delight in Your decrees and not forget Your word. (Psalm 119:12-16 NLT)
When we study God’s Word, memorizing those scriptures that really speak to us allows the Holy Spirit to bring them back to mind when we need them.
Father, help me to not cave to worry. Help me replace those useless thoughts with Your truth. Help me to remember those truths. In Jesus’s Name I pray, amen.