Abide

Read: Matthew 6:25-34

Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry, Be Happy expresses in a simple tune profound truth that Jesus expressed many years ahead of him. The song practically embodies the truth in many ways: it’s simple, happy, and melodic, and such this the attitude that Jesus wants for his followers concerning money rather than becoming consumed about all of life’s troubles. Jesus draws attention to the those who toil away trying to prepare for the future. They store up food, clothing, money, and numerous other things to seemingly ward off evil or destitution that might come their way.

In all this though, Jesus’ is not tell one to live a carefree life such that one doesn’t prepare for the future. Proverbs offers much advice concerning planning for future (Proverbs 21:20, Proverbs 13:11, Proverbs 10:4-5, Proverbs 6:6-11, Proverbs 13:7, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 27:23-27, Proverbs 19:21) . Jesus is warning against obsessing over the matter. God does care for his people and he will take care of them and he does so by providing homes, food, clothing and most all of life’s essentials. He is also the one who provides the means to obtain these such as job.

Anxiety though is not limited to concerns for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. It can arise over health, loved ones, tests, jobs – practically anything in life. The Bible offers a few simple ways to stave off anxiety. Proverbs 12:25 says that a kind word can cheer one up when dealing with anxiety. Philippians 4:4-9 encourages believers to not worry, but to offer up the concerns of the world to God and think on things that are praise worthy. The positive thoughts that come from an encouraging word and from reflecting on the good things of God can help calm an anxious heart and help bring back the peace and joy one find in God and will “guard one’s heart”.

The solidarity that comes from knowing and trusting God in all things is blissfully simple. While life is uncertain, what is certain is that those that commit their ways to God and trust him fully will be directed by him (Proverbs 3:5-6). The key though is to put God first in all things as Jesus says to do when he says “seek first the Kingdom”. This doesn’t imply that life won’t have troubles, but it does imply that God will care those that trust him all along the way – which is how one can not worry and be joyful!

Lord, help me to trust you and not worry!