IT'S HELPLESS TO BE ANXIOUS (PART 2)
TEXT:
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6 verse 34, King James Version)
Like I said in the part 1 to these series, except for the spiritually mature in faith, the admonition to not take thought for the morrow is a hard nut to crack, especially in these days of distress and economic downturn that are felt not only in our country, but everywhere in the world. Again, except for the integrity and the infallibility of the One who has asked that we take no thought for the morrow, with what's happening all over, no one will dare to not take thought for the morrow with regards to what to eat, what to wear and where to lay one's head. But since it is a command from the Lord to us to not be anxious about our daily needs, we are to believe and obey Him.
Similar sentiments against anxiety are expressed in Philippians 4 verse 6 saying that we "Be careful for nothing;". But rather, we are called to cast all our care upon the Lord because He cares for us (1 Peter 5 verse 7). Other versions use the word "anxious" for "careful". This is to mean that in the face of the debilitating circumstances we experience currently, we are never to be anxious. Instead, as God's children, we are to maintain a calm but confident repose in the Lord's willingness and ability to meet our needs. That being the case, we are advised to come to Him making our requests by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving regarding every of our needs (Philippians 4 verse 6).
The admonition to not take thought, or rather to not be anxious about our needs stems from the following reasons. First, to do so is of no use; and if we know how helpless it is to be anxious, then why be anxious at all? Addressing this point, the Lord Jesus asked, saying, "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" (Matthew 6 verse 27). The second reason to not take thought or be anxious about our needs is because the Lord cares and if He does care, why do we have to care when it's His responsibility to do so? In other words, If there is help promised by the Lord, there is therefore no need to be anxious. In that case, we simply rely on Him and wait for His help to come. In support of this reason, the Lord Jesus, speaking about God's faithfulness to clothe the Lilies of the field said in Matthew 6 verse 30:
"...if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
As God's children, it's our privilege in Christ to look up to the Father for help. The Scripture says that "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." (Psalms 124 verse 8). Besides, it's of great comfort to learn from Scriptures that the Lord has promised to be of help to us (Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10, chapter 44 verse 2 and chapter 50 verse 7).
This being so, it's useless to be anxious or careful about issues of life when God's help is unfailingly available to us. The immediate consequence for not being anxious or careful about issues of life is that we'll have peace of mind in the midst of turbulence.
“And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4 verse 17). It's no lie that such peace of mind in the face of life's turbulence is invaluable and a great blessing from the Lord. Praise the Lord!
PRAYER:
Dearest Heavenly Father, I'm thrilled to learn that You care for me. That being so, I refuse to be anxious about my needs in life. Help me to put my trust and confidence in You at all times, in Jesus name.