Read: Matthew 6:25–34
Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? . . . But strive first for the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25 & 33
To follow Jesus means to dismiss anxiety. “Do not worry” is the way this command is phrased, but the implicit admonition is to trust. Don’t worry, trust God is the divine imperative for our earthly living. That is all well and good, but simply telling chronically worried people to refrain from anxiety gets us only so far. How do we banish our worries in favor of trust?
The end of this passage of scripture offers us an avenue forward: don’t worry, just do the right thing. Don’t live fearfully, live righteously. Don’t get anxious, just do the work of God in the world . . . and everything else will fall into place. Jesus says you can take your mind off your worries by fully engaging in God’s work. If you have ever tried it, you know it is true. The antidote to fretful anxiety is righteous activity!
What worries you most?
Lord, when I sit idly, I find myself overcome by worry. When I get active, and pursue the righteousness You call me to, anxiety has a way of dissolving from my heart and mind. Help me to occupy my mind and my life with Your work so that my living doesn’t get crowded out by my worry. In Your name, I pray. AMEN.