We have all heard Matthew 6, “do not worry about your life” (v. 25) and “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (v. 34). Most of us are aware of the commands of Psalm 37, not to fret. All these passages tell us that we have no reason to worry about the things of this world, including persecution. God is in control of our provision and protection.
There are other ways that we worry, however, which are acceptable. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13.5). We should be concerned about our own salvation. I think that the biblical way to live is not in fear of the world or the things in the world—worrying about provision and persecution—rather we should worry about God. Are we truly in submission to Christ and do we live as examples of Christ.
I believe that worry speaks volumes about our faith. If we have strong faith, then we know we have no need to worry about the things of the world. In addition, we know only to concern ourselves with the work of God. It is interesting, because when we have this type of faith, the type which causes us to serve free from concern, God enables us. Take this example:
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
(Mark 13.11)
This passage has to do with end times. The exhortation is not to worry and the reason is that the Holy Spirit is in control, not us. To worry, then, is to doubt the power of the Spirit within us. This is why if we worry, we ought to do as 2 Corinthians suggest, to examine ourselves and to fully give ourselves over to the will of God.
On the topic of prayer, I think it is only through prayer that we commune with God and so it is a necessary element. If you worry about your life and the things in it, pray and give it over to God. Use His Spirit in the way it was intended. We must give our concerns over to God in prayer and then He will empower us with His Spirit as promised.
Image Credits: xymonau, sxc.hu
Do Not Worry About Your Life