Red Letter: Declutter Your Life - Conquering Worry by Aligning Your Heart's Treasure
Are you a worrier? Are you sometimes overwhelmed by concerns, doubts, and anxieties about the future? If so, you're not alone. We all have moments when worry seems to drag us down. But here's the good news: your worries can be a catalyst for positive change in your life.
National Worries and the State of America
This past week, the entire nation has been gripped by worry. The situation in Israel is certainly cause for great concern. Every day, the news tells us of horrific atrocities being carried out. I received an email from the US State Department urging caution as we travel. But worry is not just isolated to our nation; recent studies reveal increased calls to mental health providers due to stress and anxiety. We live in a world that constantly induces fear, panic, and worry.
In describing the nature of worry in America today, Sara McDonnell wrote, "What if there's no more oil? What if my spouse leaves me? Will there be more terrorist attacks? My cholesterol is too high. How am I going to pay the mortgage this month? Have I wasted my life? What if I have to declare bankruptcy?" These worries seem to be the soundtrack of our lives; given the current state of economic and political affairs, worry has become our national anthem.
The Two Sides of a Coin: Treasures in Heaven and Do Not Worry
So, what does Jesus teach us about worry? In Matthew 6, we find two important lessons under headings: "Treasures in Heaven" (Matthew 6:19-24) and "Do Not Worry" (Matthew 6:25-34). These headings may seem unrelated, but they are two sides of the same coin.
Earlier in Matthew 6, Jesus instructed His listeners to pray, give, and fast—not just as acts of righteousness but also as declarations of our dependence on God. When we pray, we express our trust that God will hear and answer. When we give, we show our trust that God will provide. When we fast, we acknowledge our dependence on God to reveal a broken world and empower us to be part of its repair and restoration.
Jesus further advises us not to store up treasures on Earth but to store up treasures in Heaven. How do we do that? Through prayer, giving, and fasting, we lay up treasures that are immune to theft or corruption by earthly decay.
The Heart of the Matter: Where Is Your Treasure?
By storing heavenly treasures, we reveal where our hearts are truly fixed. We guard what we treasure most, so let's ask ourselves: Are we more protective of our possessions than our prayer life? Are we more concerned about our material goods than our commitment to the Kingdom of God? As Jesus says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
We can't serve two masters: it's our nature to be undivided. We can't cherish worldly possessions and be wholly committed to Christ. Our houses, cars, and money are tools – they enable us to accomplish tasks. We must use them for the greater purpose of serving God, not let them possess us.
The Root of Worry: Misplaced Trust
So why does Jesus urge us to align our priorities with the spiritual realm? It's because the more we accumulate, the more divided we become, and the more we worry. At its core, worry is misplaced trust. It means we've put our faith in something other than God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We've replaced God's power with human-made security. We declare our dependence on the Triune God when we pray, give, and fast. These acts of righteousness help uproot false idols in our lives and eliminate areas where we've stopped trusting God's provision.
Do Not Worry: Trust in Your Heavenly Father
Jesus instructs us not to worry about clothing, food, life, or drink. He emphasizes that worrying is what unbelievers do. Conversely, believers trust their Heavenly Father, who values them more than the world's birds, barns, food, or fashion. God has promised to provide for all our needs.
Prayer, giving, and fasting help us understand this truth and build a kingdom where security isn't found in earthly possessions but in the God who created the heavens and the earth.
Finding Peace Through Prayer, Giving, and Fasting
If you're worried today, there are steps you can take to find peace.
Pray: Have you genuinely prayed about your concerns? Seek guidance from God and tell Him that you trust His plan.
Give: Are you willing to give away the source of your worries? Sometimes, the things we've brought into our lives without seeking God's will are what trap us. By giving them up, we may find true freedom.
Fast: Consider abstaining from food and the things causing you anxiety. Use this time to ask God for a fresh perspective on your possessions and how to use them to help others.
Remember, worry is misplaced trust. As we pray, give, and fast, we declare our dependence on God and work to eliminate the areas we don't trust in His provision. We must seek His kingdom and righteousness first, trusting that God will provide for all our needs. By trusting God as our provider and sustainer, we can obey Christ's call not to worry.
Worry may be a constant companion, but it can also be a transformative force in your life. Use it as a catalyst for positive change and a deeper reliance on your Heavenly Father.
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