“Worry” as defined by dictionary.com ”“> “to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts” (emphasis mine).
We do it to ourselves. We torment ourselves with wondering what if something should happen, or what we will do, or what we need. Jesus tells us:
“Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on.” (Matthew 6:25, NASB)
Yet “worries” have a way of needling their way into our hearts and minds, thoughts pressing in on us in the still of the night.
Jesus tells us to turn our attention to the birds who find what they need each day and are provided for by our Father. He then asks this question:
“And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span?” (verse 27, NASB)
Of course the answer to that question is none of us can add anything to our lives by worrying.
Jesus not only tells us not to worry but He then tells us why we should not worry … “for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (verse 32b, NASB). God knows our needs. We need not worry because He has them covered.
There’s a distinct difference between our needs and our wants. Just because we like it or want it, does not mean we need it. A good question to ask ourselves is, “Can I do without it?”
He also tells us the antidote to worry:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” (verse 33, NASB)
“Priorities” can be defined as ”“> “something regarded as more important than anything else” (emphasis mine). Dictionary.com defines it as ”“> “the right to take precedence over”.
What is high on our list? What do we see as most important in our lives? What are we giving the right to take precedence over all else in our lives?
Hidden within the answers to these questions we will find our priorities.
For the last week, I have gone back to listen to this song repeatedly. May this be the answer when we are worried or our priorities have become skewed. May we pause and realign our desires. May we drop to our knees and pray, “Give Me Jesus”.
“Despite how we are feeling, we can praise the Lord for His goodness, His love, His presence, and His mighty power.” Lisa Blair reminds us that as we take time to think about who God is and all He has done for us, we can always find reason to praise the Lord. Read Lisa Blair’s post, “How to Stand Amazed in God’s Presence” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Joanne, your post has impressed on me the importance of checking my priorities and discerning what are real needs in my life! And once I do that, I need to realize that God has me covered. Thank you for your insight! God bless you, Joanne.
Needed to listen to Fernando Ortega’s Just Give Me Jesus this morning. Thank you for an encouraging post.
Worry can be so subtle, yet He longs for us to trust, rest in His love, and dwell in His peace. Thank you for this encouragement to examine our hearts and see where our priorities are, and wherever needed, to recalibrate ourselves. Thank you for the post highlight!
Joanne, this is so true. I used to be a worrier. But I find that as I age and my relationship with God matures I am more apt to catch myself and turn my worries into praise. I’ve recently been turning my pain off Trigeminal Neuralgia into praise. I’m a needs vs wants person and it’s really difficult for me to treat myself to something, though I do occasionally much thought and consideration goes into it. Sometimes not worrying is easier said than done, as I said the more my relationship with God matures and I’m in his Word it’s become easier.
Thank you so much for hosting this wonderful community and fellowship sweet friend.
It all comes down to whether we really trust our Heavenly Father. I’ve learned He always has my back.
Truth spoken.
My husband is retiring some time relatively soon (still dependent on a number of factors). I’m concerned about a drastic drop in income, though he has done a good job preparing. I have to keep reminding myself of these truths. God has promised to take care of us even unto old age. Though we pray for wisdom to make right decisions, our hope is in Him.
I *love* that song.
Joanne, I recently told these Bible verses (Matthew 6:25 & 27) to younger co-worker who was worrying about financial situation. I hope it helps her. I love the antidote to worry:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” (verse 33, NASB)
Joanne, great post for recognizing the subtle intruder of worry.
Somehow worrying is more second nature than trusting!
Fernando Ortega’s version of “Give Me Jesus” is my absolute favorite. I love the message of that song.
So much so, that I have a decorative plaque on the hallway wall facing my bedroom door, so the first thing I see upon rising and leaving my room are the words, “In the morning when I rise, Give me Jesus”. Amen.
Thank you for this encouraging post Joanne. God indeed always meets our needs which is entirely different to our wants!
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer
I love “Give Me Jesus,” Joanne. This is such a simple truth, and yet so profound: “God knows our needs. We need not worry because He has them covered.” I’m so thankful for this!