Worry
Scripture Reading — Matthew 6:25-34
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
One of the things we tend to fear most is that we might run out of resources. Jesus calls it worry here. For example, we can lie awake at night worrying that we won’t have enough money to pay our bills, or that we might lose our job, or that our car might break down.
Jesus points to the birds, which don’t sow or reap or store away. God cares for them every day. Jesus points to the flowers, which don’t labor or spin. They are clothed in splendor one day and are gone the next. If God cares for some of these simpler parts of his creation, won’t he care for our needs as well?
It’s magnificent to hear about God caring for us. In the midst of fear and worry this is exactly what we need. But then even if we hear this one day and realize how much God cares for us, we can fall back into the same worry again the next day. It seems to be wrapped into our DNA to worry about what we will eat and drink and wear and so on. I’m not sure we will ever stop worrying about losing everything. Fortunately, though, God’s assurance is present just as often as our fears are.
A day will likely come soon when you will worry about what you will eat or wear—or about something else you will need. When that happens, remember that our Father in heaven cares for us more than we can even imagine.
Father, when we are afraid and we worry, assure us through your Word and your presence that you love us and care for us each day in every way. Amen.
About the author — Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is Director of Faith Formation at First Church in Denver, Colorado, and has served churches in Michigan and California in youth, emerging adult, inter-generational, and educational ministries. Bret and his wife, Julie, have two children, and he enjoys hiking, disc golfing, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.
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