Matthew 6:25; 33
25 Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life… 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
The Coronavirus has alerted otherwise passive affluent cultures like our that life is fragile. Prosperity, comfort and security are precarious.
However, the Bible plainly tells us NOT to worry, or be anxious or live in fear.
DO NOT WORRY: all inclusive.
Jesus knew what He was commanding. He knew the effects of life. DO NOT WORRY.
- Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV) 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
- It is a command, an imperative; not suggestion, not an option, not good advice… a COMMAND
- To do otherwise is to disobey Jesus.
Worry
- Psalm 55:22 (NKJV) 22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
- 1 Peter 5:6–7 (NKJV) 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
What do we worry about? The “cares” of this world.
Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious [worry] for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (NKJV)
- Nothing… the Bible defines that as “nothing”. All encompassing..
Paul gives us several reasons not to worry:
Philippians 4:5 – Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. (NKJV)
- The Lord is at hand, meaning that He is near,
- He is accessible and He is paying attention.
A key to ending worry is acknowledging Christ’s presence [He is NEAR] and be secure in it.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
This peace then sets up a guard in our heart, and in our mind, protecting us from worry and anxiety.
All of this preparation of the mind and heart and attitudes leads us up to one of the cornerstone passages of the Bible:
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
When we read the verse in light of the entire book of Philippians we find its true meaning:
- No matter what the situation, hardship, sacrifice or circumstance, when we have the right thinking, right attitudes, right praying and right living we will find that we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength to live both in joy and victorious power.
There is no need to worry because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- There is no need to get caught up in the cares of this life because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- There is no need to be insecure about the future because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- There is no need to live even a moment without joy because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Because we believe that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us…
- and because we know who wins,
- and because we know where our future home is,
- and because we have put the past behind us and are pressing on toward the prize,
- and because we have counted all things but loss for the sake of Christ,
- and because we know that to live is Christ and to die is even better,
- and because we know that our willingness to be humble will result in future exultation…
…we come to understand why the Lord clearly and confidently tells us to never worry, never be anxious about anything, ever.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)