Do not worry
We live in an imperfect world and so it is inevitable that every single one of us will, at some time, experience difficult circumstances. Sometimes these circumstances are collectively shared and sometimes they are deeply personal. We all have this idea in our minds of how our life should go. We are way too good at trying to plan and construct our ideal future. When we lose control of circumstances and find ourselves in a situation we would rather not be, it is normal to feel worried, anxious, frustrated or angry. However, it is not beneficial for us to dwell in these negative emotions. As children of God and representatives of Christ, we are called to rise above our circumstances and shine as bright lights in this world.
So firstly, why shouldn’t we worry? In Luke 12, Jesus tells us not to be anxious about what we are to eat, drink, wear or about the unknown circumstances of tomorrow. And why? Because our heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide it. Christ calls us to consider the birds of the air, the lilies of the field; they do not sow or reap, labour or spin and yet God feeds the birds, He clothes the lilies in beauty. How much more will He care for us? Building upon this, Philippians 4 verse 19 tells us that “God will meet all our needs, according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”. Our Father actually wants us to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 6 verse 7). Do we truly rest in this truth? Do we really believe in our hearts that if we are seeking God’s kingdom, devoting each day of our life to Him, He will provide everything we need to do His will? If we become consumed by worry, we are not trusting in God’s sovereign control, perfect plan and promise to care for us.
It is all well and good to know that we do not need to worry, but how do we actually overcome those feelings that weigh us down? I was thinking about that phrase and realised that for something to 'weigh us down' we must be attached to it. If we are not attached to something, it does not have the power to move us. We are all attached to things of this world; success in relationships, friendships, uni, work. While these things are all important and are a means through which we can learn, grow, encourage others and be encouraged, we cannot allow these things to determine our joy as they are temporary. When circumstances change, these things have power to weigh us down. 2 Corinthians 4 verse 18 says it perfectly: “we should fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” The eternal never changes. If we try our very best to keep focus there and pray that God guards our hearts with His peace and grows a spirit of thankfulness and joy within us, we will overflow with His hope no matter what life circumstances we are experiencing. What a gift!
In this way, we will “shine as stars in the world, holding fast to the word of life”. And when (God willing) people notice that light, we can share the source of our hope with them. We can tell them that there is a God who created the entire universe AND loves and cares for us all so deeply that He promised us a future of everlasting peace and joy. So let us not worry about tomorrow, but rise above our circumstances and shine through Christ!
