Go On Worry, Prove It Doesn’t Work – Part Three
Jesus told us how to get out of a worry rut. How to win over worry. He offers three antidotes.
Work is number one.
This is great therapy. Jesus appealed to His listeners to “Look at the birds of the air….” (Vs. 26) If He watches out for the sparrow, doesn’t it make sense that He will watch out for you? Observe that little sparrow over which He is watching. He allows the sparrow to scratch. We, too, must develop a good work ethic. Cultivate good work habits. Get up early and get going with enthusiasm. Be refreshed by experiencing a new day Dawning. Let your mind be bathed in the joy of a new day’s birth.
God spends more on bird food each year than our national debt. If He is going to provide for the world’s bird population, which is estimated to be over 100 billion, He is going to take care of you.
“Consider the lilies…” (Vs. 28) Christ takes care of them. They are in harmony with their environment. Put aside the idea you are Atlas, and therefore responsible for carrying the world on your back.
Resign as Vice President in charge of the world’s affairs. Commit yourself and your work to Christ. Master the plan of developing the proper attitude. Who talked you into not liking your work? You did.
Plan your work and work your plan. That is far better and much more productive than worrying.
Worship is number two. “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
Don’t even consider the kingdom of God if you don’t intend to seek it first. Where there is a kingdom there is a king. Don’t dare contemplate the kingdom unless you intend to make Christ’s rule the priority in your life.
“O worship the King all glorious above, and gratefully sing of His wonderful love.”
Food and clothes are important, but pale in importance when compared to the vitality of Christ as Master in your life. When He is, you are so secure you can live without labels. You can be confident and survive without brand names. Your composure and serenity comes from what is within, not what from what is on you.
Wait is the third. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…”
Worry is projected negative thoughts into the future. It is pulling yesterday’s clouds over tomorrow’s sun. What then are we to do?
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
“Casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7)