Corey Ten Boom, Christian, author, and holocaust survivor whose family rescued Jewish men and women from the hands of the Nazis during World War II, said this about worry. “Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength, carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Life presents twists and an exhaustive list of things to fret over. The Bible is not short on addressing the sinfulness of this world but also our human condition, which seems naturally prone to anxiety. Psalm 139:23 says, Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts.”
As Christians, we must affirm what the Scripture teaches that our Savior put on flesh and can sympathize with all our infirmities but never sinned. The Lord Jesus, our great high priest, knows our hearts and struggles, but he gives us a better way to live. When we think of the world system, the push is often to get more and go bigger. Yet, the more possessions we have to care for, the more anxiety-prone we become. Jesus even tells a parable of a man whose life was all about his wealth and possessions. In the parable, this man was highly productive, so much so that he had to tear down his old barns and build bigger ones. He harvested more, and with this came more goods and things of value.
What was his response? He said I will take it easy, drink and enjoy myself! In our context, “I hit the jackpot; I no longer have to work a day in my life.” Essentially saying, my life and happiness are found in my possessions. Yet, Jesus gives this sobering reality; all his possessions could do nothing for this man’s soul. When it was time for his life to end, all he worked for were left on earth, and now he must stand before the Lord.
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” Lk 12:20–21.
See, we often spend our entire existence pursuing things that don’t last. While having things is not a sin, what happens when our heart desires only the things of this world? Well, what does this have to do with anxiety? Think of it; we often pursue the things of this life more than the kingdom of God. Pursuing the things of this life leaves us anxious, fretting, and burned out. So, Jesus instead gives this command, “Don’t worry about your life.”
The disciple of Christ has a straightforward pursuit in this life, and it is not to be consumed with going after that which fades. Our English word worry comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word that means “to strangle” Anxiety occurs when we desire to control the unknown. Anxiety causes us to build bigger, do more, treasure what we shouldn’t, and try to control what we can’t, ultimately leading us not to trust the Lord. The Lord who calls us His own has promised to provide for His own, so we must rest. The same God who says He knows the number of hairs on our heads and that we are worth more than the lilies of the field. Understand the God who tells us not to worry is who we call Father. Think of the things you are anxious about right now, and how many of those can you control? Jesus even tells us, “Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?” Lk 12:25–26.
Jesus says you can’t add 18 seconds to your life, not even a single hour. So, what has worrying ever benefited or added to your life?
Worry is wasted energy, an emotional investment that yields nothing. Worry actually reflects the tension we have when we feel that life is out of our control; it is the product of feeling isolated in the creation.- Darrell L. Bock
So instead of worry and anxiety, Jesus gives the remedy, seek His Kingdom first. When we are seeking His Kingdom first, it changes both our perspective regarding this life as well as our heart’s desires. Worry strangles our heart while seeking His Kingdom, captures our hearts, and give us peace.
Our priorities as disciples of Christ are different than the world system. We are not consumed with the pursuits of this life, food, and clothing only. Instead, we are focused on His Kingdom, agenda, and way of life. We must trust that He will take care of us.
Why is this so hard when Jesus makes it so matter-of-fact? I mean, if we don’t worry, then who will? Yet, isn’t this the entire point Jesus was making, that in His Kingdom, His people trust Him through the flood and fires of life? In His Kingdom, we have access to His peace, joy, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit.
So, at this moment, breathe, unlock your jaw, bow your head and in your heart, look up to the Father and say, Lord, I trust you. Lay down your worry at His feet, knowing He cares for you.
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