Read Matthew 6:25-34

Fear and worry are related, with the difference that worry is what happens when fear focuses on the future and things that might happen. Jesus provides a sample of the questions that worry asks in Matthew 6:25: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? For His audience, these were not trivial questions, like which item to select from a menu or which outfit to choose for that day. Many of these people did not know where their next meal was going to come from. Many did not have enough clothing to keep them warm at night.

Some of what we worry about is worthy of concern. Jesus’ words do not imply that food and clothing are insignificant—quite the opposite. But the Savior assures us that we do not need to be anxious even about these vital matters for human survival because we have a heavenly Father who knows what we need (v. 32).

Other things we need may not be as appealing. Perhaps we need to be in a difficult situation in order to grow in grace. God may be using our challenges to shape us in Christ’s image. The things that cause us anxiety often turn out to be blessings after they pass through the hands of God.

Anxiety is often an attempt to control our circumstances. We become preoccupied with our desires and circumstances because we do not possess God’s power. We are dependent and would prefer to be independent. When we grow anxious we lose sight of God. This can turn anxiety into a form of idolatry. “We worship the creaturely bread by which we are satisfied instead of worshipping the Lord who satisfies us in so many ways,” theologian Helmut Thielicke warns. “We worship money, the tangible values, and still do not find happiness, because moth and rust corrupt them.”

APPLY THE WORD

The anxiety Jesus describes in these verses is a choice, but we can’t overcome it by simply trying not to worry. Our own effort will just create a toxic loop of more worry and anxiety. But we can be delivered from the tyranny of worry by seeking Christ. The Lord knows our struggles and welcomes our prayers (Phil. 4:6).

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