WORRY OR CONCERN?

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”  

(Matthew 6:31, KJV). 

Often Christians mistake their worry for concern. They get the two mixed up by believing if they worry about something or someone, like a loved one, then they are showing concern. So in a sense they believe they are caring about someone by worrying. However, worry is sin, because it is not trusting God, or taking Him at His Word (see 1 Pet. 5:7; Psalm 55:22); whereas, concern for someone is showing empathy and care for that person.  The phrase “take no thought” in our text would be better translated, “be not anxious.” Noted commentator H. A. Ironside from a past generation wrote:

“When Jesus said, “Take no thought,” He did not mean that His disciples should be careless or improvident. But they are forbidden to be anxious, to become distressed and perplexed as they face the future. He who has saved and cared for us thus far can be depended upon to undertake and provide for us to the end.”

Like Mr. Ironside said, God can be trusted to take care of the details in our lives. However, the Lord is not obligated to do it according to the way we want to see things done. This passage in Matthew 6:25-34 is Jesus answer to the Christian who struggles with worry. To worry is akin to doubting God’s goodness and ability to take care of us and those we love. Since we trusted in Christ for our salvation, can we not trust Him to take care of our needs as well as those we care about? I’m sure we both know the answer to that question. If we know this, why is it we still live with the full weight of worry, fear, and distress on our shoulders? The Lord Jesus’ words are clear, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30, NASB). Rest is not possible if our hearts are restless in the grip of doubt. The Lord Jesus even uses examples from nature to illustrate His point.