You cannot help but hear the dire warnings from those “in the know” that point to very difficult times in the near future. Some are predicting massive food shortages due to the war in the Ukraine. Obviously, with any shortage comes higher prices which will only be compounded by record inflation. Medical experts are saying that pandemics should be anticipated along with unpredictable mutant strains developing, such as we’ve seen with Covid 19. Many in finance point to a coming recession or even depression.
For the willing, there are lots of things to worry about. According to the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State’s most recent Mood of the Nation Poll, 84% of Americans say they are either extremely or very worried about the future in 2022. What is going to happen next? Will we be able to endure the turbulence? Can we find the solutions we need when problems arise? Statistically, the majority choose to worry, but not for its helpful effects. In an article titled, “How Worrying Affects the Body,” Dr. Debra Fulghum Bruce said, “Chronic worrying can affect your daily life so much that it may interfere with your appetite, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep, and job performance. Many people who worry excessively are so anxiety-ridden that they seek relief in harmful lifestyle habits such as overeating, cigarette smoking, or using alcohol and drugs.” Worry is, in short, a downward spiral.
Regarding worry, Christ said, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27). This is not a lightweight statement. For those who do not overlook it, the logic speaks volumes. Worrying to try to add to or take away from our stature is as great and foolish an exercise in futility as we could ever hope to waste our time on. It is brilliant logic because it is irrefutable.
“Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:31-32). Christ knew that there are times when we get a little too big in our own eyes, and we worry as a consequence. So, He reminds us that worrying is what the spiritual Gentiles do. Chronic worrying is a hallmark of those of little faith or of no faith at all.
The solution to overcoming faithlessness, to whatever degree, is just as simple as the irrefutable logic that shows how futile worry is. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). When God, His Kingdom, and His righteousness are our number one concern each and every day, we’ll be looking to Him and not ourselves for the strength, guidance, and help we need. This logic is of God, and it is irrefutable.
Faith overcomes worry!
Marshall Stiver
