Worry

7-10-11

Read Matthew 6:25-34. In this periscope of scripture a key word appears six times. In the older versions we see the word "anxious" (KJV, ASV, RSV, ESV), but in more recent versions such as the NRSV and NIV 2011 we see the word "worry."

Worry is a translation of the Greek word merimnao. It means to be uneasy in mind or spirit, and it extends the focus to worrying about meeting one's needs; to be overly concerned about things. It is appropriate to be concerned about one’s health, family, work, and other relationships and responsibilities. The "tricky" part is knowing where to draw the line without wallowing in worry.

Most people never consider the fact that Jesus forbids worry just as certainly as he forbids lying, stealing, and committing adultery. Matthew 6:25 says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life..." Verse 31 says, "Do not worry..." Verse 34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow..." Why is it wrong to worry?

First, worry shows a lack of confidence in God. Jesus says our heavenly Father feeds the birds, "Are you not much more valuable than they?"(v. 26) He also says God clothes the grass of the field, "Will he not much more clothe you?” (v.30) His point is, God will always provide for his own. So, why worry about that which is in God's hands? This does not mean that we do not have certain responsibilities in "making things happen." God will feed and clothe us through the work of our own hands (2 Thess.

3:7-10), or by assistance from others (Eph. 4:28; Jas. 2:14-17), but it is he who provides the strength. (1 Pet. 4:11)

Second, worry doesn't change anything in a positive way. It will change one's mind from sound to unstable; it will change one's health from good to bad; and it will change one's relationships. Worry-warts will find that people do not enjoy being around them. Jesus asks, "Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (Mat. 6:27) Worry does not add an hour to one's life! Take note of the alternative. Worry cannot pay a debt, save a life, strengthen a relationship, or help a person be more faithful to God.

Third, worry is a killer. It is a proven fact that many cases of heart attacks, strokes, and some forms of cancer appear to be stress related.

Worry compromises the immune system. It makes the body waste away. Worry will make a person rot from the inside out. Jesus said, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Mat. 6:34) One of the greatest lessons we can learn is, don't worry about things you cannot change. If something needs changing and can be changed, change it, and don't worry about it. Get over it and get on with life.

Fourth, people who worry focus on the negative side of human existence. When it rains they see a flood. When it snows they see a blizzard. When they experience pain, they see death. In their mind there is no balance. They only see extremes. It is sad that many people allow worry to rob them of the joy that God wants them to experience. Heaven will certainly be a place of ultimate comfort and joy, but life on earth can also be enjoyable. Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...Do not worry about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:4-7) Let all of us remember the words of Jesus "Do not worry."

Ron Daly