Anxiety: a topic that has become increasingly prominent in America. According to recent statistics, over 40 million adults in America struggle with anxiety. That is over 18% of American adults. Not only is this topic widely talked about in culture, it is also one that the Bible has a lot to say about. So let’s look at what Jesus teaches us about it.
Matthew 6:25-33 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat? Or What shall we drink? Or What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
This passage has always been such an encouragement and a good reminder to me about the character of God. God sees the sparrows and he perfectly provides for their needs. And are you not of more value then them?! God cares so much for you and has a perfect plan for you!
Now we know that the gospel brings salvation but it brings so much more than just salvation. With that salvation it also brings freedom. Freedom from anxiety. Though we often may not know what God’s plan is for us or understand it, we can always be confident that he does have a plan and he will provide for us. We can trust him for that no matter what.
Tim Keller said, “Non-clinical everyday anxiety is a daily statement to God saying, ‘I don’t think you have my best interest in mind.’” Do you truly believe that God always has your best interest in mind? If you do then anxiety has no place in your life. (To be very clear, I am talking here about what Tim Keller laid out: non-clinical, everyday anxiety, the anxiety that Jesus is talking about in Matthew 6).
Romans 8:32 further confirms God’s care and provision for us. It says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” We serve a GOOD God. He wants to bless us and give us good things. Now, our version of what we think we need and God’s version may be different. But the question is, do we truly trust a good God to give us what we need in his perfect timing? If we have not yet received something whether it is an answer to a question, clarity on life’s next step, or a gift we desire, then we do not yet need that. The end of our passage today says to seek first the kingdom of God. So another question I may ask, is what is your first priority in life? What are you seeking after? For what we are seeking after will inform how we live our lives.
A poem that also speaks to anxiety was written by Elizabeth Cheney in 1859. This is what she wrote:
“Said the Robin to the Sparrow:
‘I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.’
Said the Sparrow to the Robin:
‘Friend, I think that is must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me.’”
The God of the universe cares deeply, intimately, and personally about you as an individual. Let that truth sink in. Charles Spurgeon said, “Come boldly believer, for despite the whisperings of Satan and the doubting of your own heart, you are greatly loved.”
You are so loved, dear friend.
Today may you be reminded of the sparrow and know that in Christ you can have freedom from anxiety.
LEAH REIST / GUEST CONTRIBUTOR