Do not worry
by Margaret Silvester
Two robins have made their home in our garden. They spend some of their time looking for worms and as soon as they find one they eat it immediately. I have never seen these little birds find a worm and store it away until tomorrow. They work hard building their nests and obtaining food for their young but they are worry free. They are cared for by our heavenly Father and their lives are unconsciously fulfilling the purpose for which God created them. Jesus points out that the birds do not worry. They don’t stack up today’s food for tomorrow, or for an unforeseeable future, and yet their lives go on.
There’s absolutely nothing good about worry and Jesus forbad it. It’s useless, because it doesn’t make a scrap of difference to how things have been or how they will turn out. The past can’t be changed and the future can’t be controlled. Worry is disabling because it keeps us grounded so we can’t enjoy today.
Jesus commands us not to worry. Therefore worry is not a simple weakness we all give way to from time to time. It’s a sin that’s forbidden. In essence worry is failure to trust God. We are not promised a bed of roses, but what we are promised is the loving unfailing care of a Father over every detail of life. Even in times of hardship and difficulty if our trust is in the Father of Jesus we can know freedom from the uselessness of worry, because He is faithful. We have a heavenly Father in whose sight each of His children is infinitely precious, and who is fully aware of our every need.
Worrying usually means we don’t think God can look after the practical details of our lives. God doesn’t want us to waste a single second worrying. Instead He wants us to know how truly invaluable we are to Him, much more valuable than the tiny birds whose every need is met.
Worry is a thief. It steals away peace, which is a gift from Jesus to those who love Him (John 14:27). This peace is independent of circumstances, because it’s founded on relationship with Jesus. Therefore, be ‘careful’ about one thing – your relationship with Jesus, your source of peace, and you’ll be worry free.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your love and faithfulness over the years of my life. Forgive me for the times when I’ve failed to trust You and worry has overwhelmed me. Thank You for the peace of heart and mind that comes when my heart is stayed upon You. You are my Shepherd, Counsellor, Friend, Saviour and Redeemer. Father I trust you today in Jesus name. Amen.
Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God. Margaret`s book "Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God" has recently been published.
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