One of the most difficult commandments in the Bible that I find hard to obey is when Jesus said, “Don’t worry.” We all break this commandment often because it so difficult not to worry. The recent terrorist attack, Covid and lockdowns, floods, health concerns, the state of the world or financial problems can be a very real source of worry and anxiety. But Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). A lesson that I keep having to learn is that worry never changes anything. Worrying uses up so much emotional energy and can make you feel so drained. When you think about the past (which you can’t change) you use up emotional energy because it is so easy to live with regret. And then when you think about the future (which you can’t control) the same thing happens - you worry. No wonder Jesus commanded us not to worry. Jesus wants you to be free, happy, joyful, peace-filled and thankful. When it comes to the past, instead of living with regret, I always think of things to be thankful for. When I think about the future, I think about how I have been adopted by a perfect loving Heavenly Father who holds my future in His hand. I then give God thanks, praise and worship for his love for me. It is so true that every moment you spend worrying is a complete waste of time. As someone once said, “Worrying is like being in a rocking chair. There’s a lot of energy spent to rock backwards and forwards, but you don’t get anywhere." Worry is basically using your energy and time focusing on your fears instead of putting your focus and trust in God. The key is to change your focus. Romans 8:6 says this: ‘If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace.’ You have to choose where you put your focus. Will you choose to put the focus on your way and your concerns or on God’s ways and God's promises? One way leads to death and the other to life, hope and peace. If you are someone who worries then work on changing channels and actively put your focus on God and trust in his love and promises. You can do this through practicing spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, reading and worshipping. “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Arohanui
Warren