Worry (7 Reasons Not To)

Like many of you, I’ve had a lot on my heart and mind these days...

... as we face these uncertain times and an unknown future;
... as we watch the disheartening political battles and commentary, and the economy do what it is doing;
... as my family and I continue to settle into a new home, in a new community with my new role;
... as what’s left of school winds down, and discussions about the future my girls are trying to pursue become more and more real;

Through all this, I remembered a message that I had once heard that had burned itself into the recesses of my mind. So, I thought I would share it knowing there are others who may have similar concerns and worries that I have (or far different ones).

The list breaks down Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34 and puts them into 7 bite size morsels for us to chew on about why we should not worry:

6:25 - The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.

6:26 - Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.

6:27 - Worrying is more harmful than helpful

6:28-30 - God does not ignore those who depend on Him.

6:31,32 - Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.

6:33 - Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue.

6:34 - Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

Hope this helps.

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
- Matthew 6:25-34 NLT