Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders
Every lesson Jesus teaches is designed around a core biblical principle. Love…forgiveness…compassion…trust, and others.
The Scriptures show that Jesus is consistent in his teaching. And for those who need to know why we should heed his words, quite often Jesus gives us the reason.
Repeatedly Jesus tells us not to worry or be afraid. In fact, Jesus asks rhetorically: “Can worry make you live longer?” (Matthew 27:6, CEV). Of course, the answer is “no.” If anything, worry brings stress, which shortens our lives.
Worry and fear are like twins holding hands. Where worry exists, fear is not too far behind.
Why does Jesus caution us against these two vices? Because in order to live the abundant life Jesus offers (John 10:10), we must ditch everything that robs us of having a steady and devoted heart, and trust God’s Word.
God wants us to trust him. Over and over God proves that he loves us (John 3:16). Even when we veer off the path, God’s amazing grace covers us.
Worry is a sign we have not truly surrendered all to God. It eats away at our faith, and causes us to doubt God’s truth. When we worry, we grasp foolishly at platitudes that give us temporary comfort, and spend the pleasures of today focusing on what could happen tomorrow.
Jesus himself said this:
“Don't worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first …” (Matthew 27:31-33, CEV).
There’s the antidote for worry—put God’s work first! It may be as simple as meditating. Or being obedient to the Holy Spirit. Or whispering a prayer. Lean in to God. Keep God’s name on your lips, and your heart open to his message.
Worry is a slippery slope that leads to fear. And, fear blocks our vision of God.
When Jesus visited two sisters, Mary and Martha, while Martha worried about preparing a meal, Mary sat and listened to the words Jesus spoke (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus admonished Martha for worrying and being distracted, and said Mary had chosen the better role.
Take time to intentionally block the door to worry. Look for, and memorize, God’s promises that fit your situation. Perhaps, you may wish to start with a worry buster such as: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).
When worry shows up, trust God and leave the outcome to him. Why worry, when you can pray?
PRAYER: Loving Jesus, strengthen us in areas where we fail to trust you implicitly. Break down our walls of worry and fear. Remind us that each moment we live is in your hands. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©M©dytations 2025
by Dorette Saunders
Every lesson Jesus teaches is designed around a core biblical principle. Love…forgiveness…compassion…trust, and others.
The Scriptures show that Jesus is consistent in his teaching. And for those who need to know why we should heed his words, quite often Jesus gives us the reason.
Repeatedly Jesus tells us not to worry or be afraid. In fact, Jesus asks rhetorically: “Can worry make you live longer?” (Matthew 27:6, CEV). Of course, the answer is “no.” If anything, worry brings stress, which shortens our lives.
Worry and fear are like twins holding hands. Where worry exists, fear is not too far behind.
Why does Jesus caution us against these two vices? Because in order to live the abundant life Jesus offers (John 10:10), we must ditch everything that robs us of having a steady and devoted heart, and trust God’s Word.
God wants us to trust him. Over and over God proves that he loves us (John 3:16). Even when we veer off the path, God’s amazing grace covers us.
Worry is a sign we have not truly surrendered all to God. It eats away at our faith, and causes us to doubt God’s truth. When we worry, we grasp foolishly at platitudes that give us temporary comfort, and spend the pleasures of today focusing on what could happen tomorrow.
Jesus himself said this:
“Don't worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first …” (Matthew 27:31-33, CEV).
There’s the antidote for worry—put God’s work first! It may be as simple as meditating. Or being obedient to the Holy Spirit. Or whispering a prayer. Lean in to God. Keep God’s name on your lips, and your heart open to his message.
Worry is a slippery slope that leads to fear. And, fear blocks our vision of God.
When Jesus visited two sisters, Mary and Martha, while Martha worried about preparing a meal, Mary sat and listened to the words Jesus spoke (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus admonished Martha for worrying and being distracted, and said Mary had chosen the better role.
Take time to intentionally block the door to worry. Look for, and memorize, God’s promises that fit your situation. Perhaps, you may wish to start with a worry buster such as: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).
When worry shows up, trust God and leave the outcome to him. Why worry, when you can pray?
PRAYER: Loving Jesus, strengthen us in areas where we fail to trust you implicitly. Break down our walls of worry and fear. Remind us that each moment we live is in your hands. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©M©dytations 2025
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