It always seems the holidays bring on a new level of stress and worry. Afterwards, many experience a different kind of stress as they decide if this year will be the year they finally make “the change”. Some go back to work and it seems everyone waited until after the holidays to bring the problems in. Either way, if you are human, you know some level of stress, worry, or anxiety.
The most famous sermon ever, the “Sermon on the Mount”, is captured in Matthew chapters 5-7. It takes about 15 minutes to read and is filled with simple and deep truths for all people. The Kingdom of God is mentioned eight times in this relatively short sermon. The famous book by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “The Cost of Discipleship” (Nachfolge), is an excellent exposition of the Sermon on the Mount.
In Chapter 6 vs. 25-34 Jesus tells us about our anxiety, and gives us a cure for anxiety, stress and worry. The cure for anxiety is summed up in verse 33.
In this passage, Jesus addresses several things that cause anxiety:
- Caring for oneself: “Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”
- Valuing oneself: “Are you not worth much more than they {birds}?”
- Living a long life: “Which one of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to your lifespan?”
- Depending on God: “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
- Worrying about the future: “Do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”
Each of these are important things to have in control. Certainly we must ensure we have food and drink for ourselves and our family. We need clothes. We need to know our lives have meaning and purpose. We want to live a long and healthy life. We want to prepare for the future and make sure everything is in order. And, at the same time we want to live a life that depends on God to provide for our needs.
Jesus gives us the cure for all of these worries. Jesus basically says we are “looking for love in all the wrong places.” He tells us the answer to these anxieties is not found in the earthly kingdom, and we need to set our eyes on a different Kingdom. This Kingdom is what I will be blogging about for 2018. I hope you join me.
Important side note: In this context, Jesus was addressing the cure for everyday things that cause us stress, worry or anxiety. This text is not specifically addressing clinical anxiety or depression. Whatever level of anxiety you feel, I strongly encourage sharing your struggles with your family, friends, or pastor, and seeking professional help if needed or recommended.
Today, I leave my worries behind to seek the Kingdom of God.
Ideas for reflection or discussion as you “Seek the Kingdom“:
- List: Take a few minutes to list the things in life that cause you anxiety. Maybe it is finances, friends or family. Maybe it is employment, health or your future. Whatever it may be, take just a few moments to list them out.
- Consider: Now ask yourself…is anything on this list too difficult for God to manage? Is the arm of God too short?
- Pray: Ask God to take these concerns from you, and commit to seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness.