“Do not worry” Matthew 6 v 25-34 & Genesis 1 v 1 to 2 v3
In June 1977 Bob Marley and the Wailers released an album with the song Three Little Birds. I wonder if you know it. Perhaps Bob Marley is not your style, but the chorus of this songs goes like this:
Don't worry about a thing, 'Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing' don't worry about a thing, 'Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Whatever we might think of Bob Marley’s music, the song, and chorus in particular, has a very positive message. Don’t worry – things are going to turn out just fine. You might be thinking yeah right! Haven’t you seen the news? Don’t you know what’s going on in the world? And you don’t have the faintest idea what’s going in my life. Don’t play that song to me!
Yes of course, you’re right. I don’t know what you’re facing. I have watched the news and there is so much in it that worryies me and if I’m not careful, it will overwhelm me. So, what am I to do – listen to Bob’s song and think positive thoughts?
Well, there’s nothing wrong with music. But there is something or should I say someone far greater and infinitely more helpful who can lift us out from the pit of worry and set us in the place of peace. That person is none other than Jesus our Lord and Saviour, the prince of peace, and his words to us in our gospel reading this day. His word for us today and every day is do not worry; trust me even as a child trusts their parent, and live in the freedom and peace only I can give.
So lets take a closer look at our reading from Matthew 6 together:
We have to remind ourselves that this particular section is part of a much bigger section of Jesus’ teaching called the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus is instructing his listeners on a whole range of different topics – prayer, fasting, money, loving our enemies, anger, being salt and light to name just a few. I’d encourage you to read or listen to Matthew chapters 5, 6 & 7.
Our passage is all about not worrying and instead trusting in the care, provision and protection of a loving God.
You might be thinking, “That’s easier said than done”, and you’re right. We have to be honest and real. There are many things that concern us as I mentioned at the beginning.
But lets listen to what Jesus says and see how we can train our hearts and minds to replace worry with worship, prayer and a deep assurance of God’s love and care of us and be agents of God’s transforming love in the world we live in.
In verse 25 Jesus says:
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
And he goes on to talk about how God cares for the birds of the air and flowers of the field.
What Jesus is saying is that God is more than able to care for all our needs. His hand is not too short; his supply is not limited. If he can take care of birds and plants, how much more so his beloved children.
Worry has a way of robbing us of the life God wants for us. It is more harmful than helpful. When we constantly worry about the future it hampers our efforts today. At the heart of it, worry shows a lack of faith in our understanding of God. We get into a mindset of self-dependence instead of God-dependence. We start to put our trust in material things instead of putting God first.
And its easy to see why this can happen. Material stuff gives a dangerous, false sense of security. Our hearts are lulled into thinking that money and possessions will solve all our problems and makes us forever happy! Sadly, that is not reality.
And that is what Jesus is warning against. Why? Because our heavenly Father knows what we need and is more than able to supply all that we require to live.
The birds and lillies don't fret or worry. They have God's wealth in ways that human beings cannot duplicate. All of nature depends on God, and God never fails. I know the weather is pretty grim, but I’ve already seen some beautiful daffodils and crocuses coming up. And what about the beautiful snowdrops! You might want to pop round to Pulverbatch church – there are loads there.
If God is able to look after the birds and the flowers, surely he will take care of his children. He who gives us life and breath will surely provide for all our needs because we are so much more valuable than the birds of the air and flowers in the field.
Of course, this does not mean we put our feet up and expect everything to fall into our laps! Far from it. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of all that God’s given us – our time, our talents and abilities. It is good to work and make a living and take responsibility for the care and provision of ourselves and loved ones. It is sensible to manage our money well and plan diligently.
There is such a thing as godly responsibility!
But we must guard against godly responsibility turning into ungodly, untrusting worry.
And the way to do this says Jesus, is by seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness. What does he mean by this?
I think it means we put Jesus first in our lives. We seek after his ways of living and being. We seek to live generously with all that we have, acknowledging that it is all a gift from God. We choose to hold things lightly. We resist the urge to accumulate more. We discern between needs and want. We work diligently, using our gifts and talents honestly for the glory of God and the good of others.
For many people in our communities and indeed across the world, lack of basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter are real worries. Simply telling them not to worry rings hollow. They need practical help and prayerful support. And part of seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness surely is to do what we can to help those in need. And I have to say that as a church community we are doing that – through support of the local foodbank, visiting the sick, praying for people, supporting Amnesty, providing shoe boxes at Christmas, giving toys for families in need and many others ways.
A good antidote to worry is worship. We do it by cultivating a habit of giving thanks for all the good things we have. Another way to put is having an attitude of gratitude. We store up God’s good promises to remind ourselves of his faithfulness and love for us. When we notice worry creeping in – turn to Jesus in prayer.
Prayer is so vital. It keeps us connected to our heavenly Father. It demonstrates a posture of dependence and active trust in him.
So let me encourage you to take hold of Jesus’ words today. Listen to what he is saying. Look at the way he cares for nature. Be assured that he loves you, cares for you and is able to meet all your needs. With God’s help, choose to worship instead of worry and practise generosity towards those in need. And may the Holy Spirit help us live in the light of his love always.
Amen.