Worry. Our world is consumed with it. The church struggles with it. Particularly in the pandemic anxiety is rife. We worry over things in our past, we worry over life in the present, and we worry about what may happen in the future. We worry about what people think about us, about not having enough; we create fantasy scenarios that become like reality and bring us great anxiety.

Is there another way?

In Matthew 6 Jesus shows us there is a new way to human – and to be free from worry.

Three times in this passage Jesus commands us not to worry. Do not be anxious.

How is this possible?

Jesus encourages us to lift our gaze from the cause of our worry – whatever circumstance, or trial, or concern we have – and place it upon our heavenly Father.

Jesus teaches that trust is the antidote to worry.

Essentially this: we worry because we do not know how good God is.

Let me say that again – we worry because we do not know how good God is.

If we only knew how God provides, and how God restores and how God heals, and how God works, then our life would be filled a peace that surpasses all understanding and defies worldly logic.

And instead of living in a perpetual state of anxiety over what we can’t control – Jesus calls us to a life with God seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.

As we release control over our lives and commit to serving a greater purpose – we resign from being the general manager of our universe and give that job back to God. He is better at it than us. When God is in charge, the Kingdom extends and peace reigns.

As we live with open hands and hearts, and partner with the Father in pursuing the Kingdom and righteousness, He’ll add everything else to us.