Skip HeitzigSkip Heitzig

DevoMail with Skip Heitzig

DevoMail:

TEXT SIZE: A A A

Subscribe RSS

A Message to the Worrywart

by Skip Heitzig |
Have you ever seen a worried bird? Sweating, wringing its little claws, saying, "Honey, the rent on this nest is getting astronomical"?

Jesus said, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26).

Notice the command in these verses: "Do not worry." The way it was written in the original Greek means to stop an action that is already going on. It's as if Jesus said, "I know most of you folks out there are worrying, so stop it. Stop being weighed down by anxious thoughts. Just look at the birds."

You have a God who promises to take care of you. You know why? He is your Father (see vv. 6, 8-9). God is not the birds' Father; He's their Creator. You, on the other hand, have a relationship with Him as both one who is created and one who is His child. If your Father feeds the birds, don't you think your Father is going to take care of you?

"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit [18 inches] to his stature?" (v. 27). The NIV says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" You're not going to add to your life--or your height--by worrying about it. In fact, you'll probably live less; studies say that stress will shorten your life. "Therefore do not worry…. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things" (vv. 31-32).

What were you worried about exactly one year ago today? You might be able to answer that because of an immense trial you were in, but otherwise I'd wager that you can't give a clear answer. Worrying is a fruitless activity. Why bother engaging in it?

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (v. 33). Jesus said, "Here's the deal. Just seek Me and My kingdom first, and I'll give you everything you need." That's a great deal. Redirect your energy from worrying about your life to working for God's kingdom. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (v. 34). Blessed is the one who is too busy in the day to worry and too sleepy at night to do the same. So work for God. Serve the Lord. Expend your energy for eternal things and fall asleep in peace.

In His strong love,

Skip Heitzig

The Daily God Book: Through the Bible in 365 Days

The Daily God Book: Through the Bible in 365 DaysThe Daily God Book: Through the Bible in 365 Days is an innovative devotional by Skip Heitzig. In it, you'll find unique insights on key stories and chapters throughout the Bible, along with points to consider as you read.

$15.00 Purchase this offer

Share DevoMail

Image of woman sharing If you have been blessed by this DevoMail, send it to a friend and share the good news and encouragement that is found in God’s Word.
© Copyright 2024 Connection Communications | 1-800-922-1888