Do Not Worry

Scriptures: So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? Or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)

Many years ago, a friend of mine from Silicon Valley told me that, every once in a while, he would send out his resume to other companies and request for interviews. He said, “I need to know how marketable I am.” He told me this long before the fall of the “.com” era.

His justification for doing so was that, “You never know what might happen. With companies downsizing and right-sizing like crazy, you simply don’t know what’s going to happen to you next. I do this to sort of testing the water so that, if I get laid off, I know how easily I can find a job and where I can find a job.”

This friend of mine is a Christian, too. I know he loves his family dearly. I don’t know if it was this sense of responsibility to his family or if it was a fear for not being to support his family that prompted him to do so. Maybe it was both. I am not blaming him. I know how that feels for I had been laid off with a moment of notice before, too.

But, Jesus clearly taught that we should not worry. What does that mean? Does it mean that we don’t need to plan for our future? Does it mean that we don’t have to save and can spend whatever we make at will? I don’t think so.

I think we often confuse or, more accurately, mistake worry as the only motivation for planning and thereby equating the two. I think, first of all, worry is not equivalent of planning. Worry may push us to plan. But, it’s not planning. Secondly, worry is a bad cause for planning. Jesus did not want us to worry because worry works out of fear and, when we fear, that means we lose our trust in God and His abilities in sustaining us. When we fear, or worry, we tend to act independent of Him. That’s when we will step into spiritually dangerous areas.

I believe, since God blessed us with the ability to reason and plan, planning is not something forbidden by God. But, we should not plan without the whole council of God. Here in the passage today, Jesus clearly told us to “seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) As we seek His Kingdom and righteousness, we will inevitably learn His will and plan for us in life at which time we will know what is for us and what is not. Then, we can rest assured knowing that God will always deliver what He promised.

I am convinced that planning is our part of efforts to work with God in the ministries He has called us to. With His partnership and leadership, we can participate without fear and worry, knowing that He has called us, He will surely provide everything needed.

How wonderful it is to know that our Lord God is the sovereign God! Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) He was in charge when He delivered us out of the bondage of sin. He is still in charge to see us through this process of sanctification. Praise the Lord!

Prayer Requests:
For those who face career changes due to economical downturns

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your promise of watching over us in any and every circumstances. As we continue to face circumstantial changes beyond our control, help us to keep our focus on You, trusting You for every promise You have given us so we may be living witnesses of Your love and faithfulness. In the name of our Lord and Savior we pray, Amen!