But seek God’s kingdom, and these things will be added unto you. (Luke 12: 31)

“Don’t worry, be happy,” says a song from several years back. “Not to worry,” is another common phrase heard in our society. They both want you to understand that a given situation is not all that important. A person who is constantly concerned and anxious about things is called a worrywart. Very few people live lives that are totally worry-free. Nonetheless, Jesus emphatically tells us not to worry. This is not a suggestion, but rather a command.

When we expend the energy to constantly worry over matters that are best left in the hands of God, we drain our energies that could be used for more constructive things. Worrying does not offer any positive change to anything we do and actually compromises our quality of life. Jesus provides all that we need.

Jesus hints at the cause of worry in human beings—a lack of faith in what God can do and also a fear of the unknown. One needs only to look around at God’s creation. The birds and animals are taken care of, the flowers bloom without punching a time clock, and we, too, are a part of that creation.

Jesus certainly understood humanity well. “Oh, you of little faith!” The disciples in the boat feared the great storm around them and woke Jesus. “Oh, you of little faith!” Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. “Oh, you of little faith!” Place your faith in something tried and true, something that has withstood the test of 2000 plus years. Jesus is in control!

God of ever-faithfulness, grant us the courage to believe that we are safe under Your care and our worries are worthless!