Westside Church of Christ

We toss and turn, our minds racing with uncertainty. Sleep is elusive. Heartburn isn’t. We stare at the nighttime darkness remembering the words of Jesus, “Do not be worried…(Matthew 6:25).” So, we worry about worrying. Add guilt to the already-ugly thoughts plundering our peace. The Lord only knows what we should do. Actually, He does.

We are not unique in this anxiety trap. Jesus addressed it in the first sermon recorded in the New Testament. It is clearly an issue that is common to humans. Worry. Anxious notions rumbling through our heads. Our Savior said not to, but it is so hard to avoid. Perhaps, we cannot totally escape the problem, but His words can surely help us manage it better (Matthew 6:25-34).

Consider the meaning of life and what makes it significant. God took the dust of the ground and formed humans in His image. We have dignity and honor that the rest of creation does not possess. Food and clothing are necessary, but life is so much more. Besides, we cannot change a thing, neither height nor length of our stay here on earth, by worrying. In fact, it subtracts not adds to our existence. So, don’t. It has no positive results.

Our Creator is aware of our most fundamental needs. A glimpse at nature will prove to us that He even takes care of the birds. We are certainly of more value to God than they are. He gave His Son for us. That is how much we mean to Him, so surely, He will provide necessary food for us since disciples are His children. Remember, He is our heavenly Father.

Solomon was blessed with extraordinary wisdom and riches. Yet, even he could not compete with the splendor of the lilies who are clothed by God, and they exist for such a brief period of time. If He outfits plants that will be gone tomorrow, how much more will He provide for His children? Gentiles who have no relationship with the Lord are in hot pursuit of these things. The interests of disciples are much more profound than that.

Our priorities are His kingdom and His righteousness. They stand alone as the focus of our pursuits. As we zero in on those, He has promised to add things like food and clothing. Do we believe Him? That is the issue that Jesus brings up in the middle of this discussion, “You of little faith.” How much confidence do we have in our heavenly Father? Enough not to be consumed by worry?

The word of God offers us advice on how to deal with anxiety when it overtakes us. Philippians 4:4-9 provides a useful strategy. The last verse is an essential reminder: If we DO these things, the God of peace will be with us. We will absolutely practice these things if…a big if…if we trust our Father.

Call to Praise: 1 John 4:7-11

His word on it: 1 John 4:19

Sermon: “Morning on the Mountaintop”