How to Face Life's ChallengesSample

How to Face Worry

Whether it’s climate change, war, mounting bills, or who our kids are hanging out with at school – we’re all tempted to worry. Jesus understood this better than anyone, and only He can set us free from the fear, unease, or anxiety we live with.

Most people are desperate for peace, and typically there are two ways they attempt to manage or eradicate worry in their lives. The first is to eliminate uncertainty by using their resources or influence to control events, circumstances, outcomes, or people. The second way people try to avoid worry is by withdrawing or detaching themselves from people or situations. They approach worry on the premise that if you don’t care about something, it can’t hurt you. This method doesn’t work, because we’re called and commanded to care about the people and places God has scripted into our stories.

Jesus’ teaching on worry in Luke 12 is threefold: Firstly, He reminds His listeners that they’re creatures, like flowers and birds. They shouldn’t overestimate their responsibilities or importance – and neither should we.

Secondly, He reassures them that they’re loved by their Creator, who promises to lavishly, and timeously, provide. (When we’re stressed about material possessions or physical provision for ourselves, Jesus also prescribes generosity as a remedy for worry. In Luke 12:33, He says, ‘Sell your possessions and give to those in need.’)

And thirdly, Jesus charges His followers to prioritise the rule and reign of God in their lives, in every area.

Think about which of these three approaches to worry is most applicable or challenging to you, in your current circumstances. Ask yourself: Do I sometimes forget my limitations? Do I forget that the truest thing about me is that my Heavenly Father loves me? Do I seek first God’s Kingdom, or mine?

Matthew 6:30-33 reads as follows in The Message: ‘If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers – most of which are never even seen – don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.’ May you be reminded that Jesus is your perfect provider and that as you hand over your worries to Him and seek Him above all others, He will fulfil His purposes for you.