“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NLT)
There are all kinds of habits—both good and bad. We all have them, even if we don’t want to admit it. The basic definition of a “habit” is something we repeatedly do that is hard to give up. We can all start filling in the blanks here, from coffee to our most neurotic tendencies.
But what about worry? I know, we don’t usually think about worrying as a habit, but it sure can become one. Chronic worry can even harm our health.
Yet, Jesus asks a profound question in today’s Scripture verse, reminding us that worry isn’t worth it. Worry prevents us from enjoying the present, impedes our spiritual growth, and inhibits a vibrant, trusting relationship with God.
While we do need to take habitual worrying seriously, we must also remember that worry is not from God. In fact, something amazing happens when we intentionally give our concerns to Jesus instead of holding onto them. Christ takes our worry and replaces it with peace. Who couldn’t use more peace in life?
Jesus describes His peace in John 14:27: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
When we let go of our worries, Jesus lets go of His constant peace. That’s a fantastic trade. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
There is no one more awesome and powerful than God. No one who loves us more. There is no one more able to meet our needs. There is no one more committed to working out our trials and tribulations for our good. We can confidently trust Him to provide everything necessary for a purpose-filled, abundant life.
So, as we walk with Jesus this week, let’s make the trade. Let go of your habitual worry, and allow God to replace it with His peace. Or in the words of Paul in Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
Let’s resolve to dump the bad habit of worry and replace it with the good habit of surrender. We’ll be happier and healthier for it!
DIGGING DEEPER:
- What do you find yourself constantly worrying about? What does the Bible say about those worries?
- What’s one step you can take this week to help you worry less and trust God more?
- What’s one way you can encourage someone who struggles with worrying?
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If you need prayer or you would like to talk with a K-LOVE Pastor, we are here to serve you. Call us at 844-364-4673 (hope)
