Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your health, (2) cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts, (3) disrupt your productivity, (4) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (5) reduce your ability to trust in God. How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing? Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern - Worry immobilises but concern moves you to action.
Infact if we were to look at the verse before this (verse 24), we will understand that the main culprit that causes man to worry is - Money !
We are living in a materialistic society where many people serve money more than they serve God. They spend their lives worrying about not having enough money so much so that they become its slaves. They will spend much of their time and energy thinking about money that they talk about it at every opportunity they could get. Worst still, they become so worried about it , from those not having enough to those who have much, that they suffer ill effects from it!
We must always remember what the bible has taught us about loving money:
"For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" - 1 Timothy 6:10.
Therefore do not be a slave to money and let it worry you. Be a slave to God who provides and sustains us.
In order not to let worry gain control over us, we must constantly come before God in prayer.
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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." - Philippians 4:6 - 7
As we can see from these verses, St Paul is teaching us on how to overcome our worry by not being anxious but instead come before our God in prayer to seek His peace in Christ Jesus.
More importantly, learning to be contented is the key to success in overcoming worry.
"....for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." - Phillipians 4:11 - 13.
How much must one have to consider being in sufficient? It depends on with what yardstick you measure it with? That of yourself or that of God's.
Instead of letting the things of this world worry us, we should continue to be focus on our God, knowing and trusting that He will be with us to provide for us. Let nothing distract you.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6: 33 - 34.
We must always turn to God for help, to fill our thoughts with His desires, to take His character for our pattern and to serve and obey Him in everything. Worrying about tomorrow is time wasted but planning about tomorrow is time well spent. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps and schedules and trusting in God's guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Don't let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.
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