Matthew 6: 25 - 29 NKJV
I have often wondered if the physician Luke was involved in the words of Jesus we find in Matthew 6. It is here that we find Jesus' words to those listening of the folly of worrying. Now, I don't say to know exactly what worries that the common man of Christs day had, but I'm assuming that they fell along the same lines as those core worries that we today have. What are those core worries? Well, Jesus Himself listed a few of them. Basically, we often worry about the same things over and over. Money, provision and food. Not only are these worries the cause of many a argument in our relationships, but all too often we tear ourselves apart in our struggle to come to grips with these fears of ours. Jesus had a simple solution for these fears of ours...STOP! I have no doubt that Jesus Himself knew of the dangers of worrying about these things in our lives. For not only are our very thoughts occupied with our worries, but if left unchecked these worries can lead to some pretty intense physical consequences as well. I wonder if old Luke had treated people with one sort of anxiety disorder in his day or not. It is no mystery that our worries and anxieties often lead to health consequences as well. Not the least of which is that our own immune systems become compromised. Is it no wonder, then, that Jesus would warn us about the dangers of worrying about that which we ourselves cannot control? I've often found myself in that same situation, worrying and fretting over something I could not change myself. However, there is a deeper reassurance we can take from these words of Jesus in Matthew 6. We are not to worry because our heavenly Father KNOWS what it is we ultimately need from day to day.
2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces apatience. 4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be bperfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.
James 1: 2 - 7 NKJV
The words of Jesus also assure us of our heavenly Fathers provision. In his examples of thenbirds of the air and the lillies of the fields, Christ assures us that God Himself has our best intrests at heart. He knows exactly what need from one moment to another. So why do we worry? Well, again it comes down to the lie many have fallen for that we ourselves are in charge not only of our own lives but our circumstances and surroundings. Nothing could be further from the truth! This lie first conceived by satan is nothing short of putting God on the back burner. What need would we have for God if we ourselves were in charge of all which is around us? I have no doubt that Jesus knew that this lie was embedded into those He was speaking to. I have no doubt that, in a way, He was attempting to show those who were listening the folly of this lie. Why do you worry? Why do you worry about what God will provide for you? Are you not important to Him? Trust me, the lie of our independent self is a tough nut to crack. We must realize that, as created beings, we indeed share a connection with He who created us. He is the reason for our daily provision and for each and every breath we take. In Him we have our being {Acts 17:28}. We are not independent, but dependent on Him as we walk each day in Him {Galations 2:20}.
~Scott~
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