Every human being knows some kind of suffering in this present age. We can see it all around us. Brokenness, financial distress, poverty, unemployment: we all experience something is wrong with this world. Sin has brought death and uncertainty into this world.
We want to fight uncertainty. We want security. And when we can’t control what’s coming next, we start to worry. It is remarkable that Jesus points His followers to the simple truth of God’s providence:
“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? … 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. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:25; 28-34)
Look to eternal and heavenly certainty
The point of Jesus’ teaching is that we must look for eternal and heavenly certainty. It is of vital importance that we seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. Furthermore, we must be occupied with the tasks God calls us for today. All tasks must be rooted in the certainty that we are transferred to God’s Kingdom through faith in Christ.
The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians that they should not be anxious about anything, but “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7.
In the midst of all uncertainty of this world, God in the Bible commands us not to worry. God’s children have a hope that surpasses the security (or maybe it is better to say “uncertainty”) of this world. Don’t let this message be discouraging for you when you are wrestling with doubt or worry. Don’t buy the lie that you cannot obey this command of Christ. He is your High Priest. He died – for you! And He could do that, only because He “saw the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:3). With full assurance He went to the cross, because He saw eternal glory. And He prays for you, He intercedes for you. He knows who you are, He knows your life and He knows your weaknesses. Bring it all to Him. He is able to sympathize with your weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). By the power of His Spirit He will fulfill all His works in your life, so that you will to endure to the end.