Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27 NIV
The temptation of the wealthy is to rely on their wealth and not the Lord. The temptation of the poor is to doubt God and his ability to provide for needs. In either case, worry can consume a great deal of time, but it will not add a minute to our lives.
For this reason, Jesus instructs the faithful in Matthew 6:25 saying, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? WEB”
Preoccupation with material wealth affects both the rich and the poor. Worrying over their possessions, the rich often fear losing what they have. Similarly, the poor tend to worry about acquiring enough material resources to make ends meet. Up or down, rich or poor, we live in a material world that often worries about material things.
Cast Your Cares on HIm
1 Peter 5:7 instructs us to give our worries to Christ as it says, “casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. WEB” Jesus wants us to know that worry is fruitless. Worry is toxic. The enemy uses it to paralyze us in fear.
To overcome our worldly worries, the faithful place their trust in the Lord. Jesus Christ encourages us to move forward in the will of God receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit. When we let go of worry, we can accomplish more and live in the joy intended for us as believers.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to cast my burdens on you. I will not worry. Help me to live in faith, trusting in your goodness. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Our Refuge in Times of Trouble
