Worry? Who Me?

We are familiar with what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount: “do not worry,” (Matt. 6:25-34), in some versions, “do not be anxious.” Add to this, we know what Paul wrote in Philippians: “Do not be anxious about anything,” (Phil. 4:6). In both passages the instruction is, in essence, instead of worry, trust in God (with all that biblical trust includes).

Got it? Maybe not. Here’s what we may try to do, to walk away from this. We look at those words, “anxiety” and “worry,” and we defensively claim that’s not what we are doing. We craft self-serving definitions to ease back from the guilt.

Worry? Who Me? No, that’s not what I do. I reflect on legitimate concerns; I plan; I have foresight; I’m just trying to look ahead and … contingency plotting … yes, that’s it. That’s what I do. But worry? No, not me.

Come on folks. We know we are guilty, but rather than admit it, we define our way out of penitent confessions. Our definitions and labels serve to comfort us. But that’s dangerous. It takes us away from application.

Instead of all the semantics and self-serving definitions, why not just do what Jesus and Paul said: “…in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God,” (Phil. 4:6), and “seek first the kingdom of God,” (Matt. 6:33).

-Warren E. Berkley