Conqueror Worry: Living The Impossible Life
Have you ever watched a street performer or illusionist do something that seems utterly impossible? They make a card appear out of thin air, fit themselves into a tiny box, or defy the laws of gravity. As you watch with wide eyes and a dropped jaw, the same question runs through your mind: “How on earth are they doing that?” It’s the kind of spectacle that leaves you in awe, wondering how someone could accomplish such an incredible feat.
In many ways, Jesus Christ calls His followers to live that kind of “impossible” life. He commands us not to worry – a directive that seems just as mind-bending and defiant of human nature as any sleight of hand trick. After all, worry is a universal human experience that we all struggle with to some degree. So how can Jesus expect us to stop worrying as if it were no more complicated than pulling a rabbit out of a hat?
The answer lies in the unique relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. When we truly grasp the depth of God’s love, provision, and commitment to our well-being, we gain the power to live a life that seems impossible from a human perspective. We can overcome worry, anxiety, and fear, and walk in the kind of supernatural peace and trust that causes onlookers to marvel, “How are they doing that?”
In this article, we’ll explore Jesus’ teaching on worry in Matthew 6:25-34 and unpack the three key truths we must remember to experience this “impossible” life. By the end, may you be inspired and empowered to make today the last day you ever worry.
The Command to Stop Worrying
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivers a clear and direct command to his followers: “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” (Matthew 6:25). He then reiterates this instruction a few verses later, saying, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself” (Matthew 6:34).
The Greek word translated as “anxious” or “worry” here is merimnao, which means to be pulled in different directions, to be distracted, or to be overly concerned. It carries the idea of a divided mind – being pulled between trust in God and fear about the future. Jesus is commanding his followers to resist this natural human tendency and instead maintain a singular focus on the goodness and provision of their Heavenly Father.
This is a tall order, to be sure. Worry and anxiety are deeply ingrained in the human psyche, and we all struggle with them to some degree. Yet Jesus doesn’t simply issue this command and leave us to our own devices. He provides three key truths that, when embraced, empower us to live the “impossible” life of worry-free trust in God.
Three Truths to Overcome Worry
1. Remember Your Great Value to God
The first truth Jesus highlights is the immense value we hold in God’s eyes. He points to the birds of the air, who do not sow or reap or gather into barns, yet are fed by the Heavenly Father. “Are you not of more value than they?” he asks (Matthew 6:26).
This speaks to our Heavenly Father’s profound love and care for us. We are not mere afterthoughts or insignificant specks in the grand scheme of the universe. Rather, we are the beloved children of the King, the crowning jewels of God’s creation. He has demonstrated the depth of his love for us by sending his own Son to die in our place (John 3:16).
When we truly grasp this truth – that we are infinitely valuable to the God of the universe – it transforms our perspective on worry and anxiety. We realize that the God who loves us so profoundly will never forget us or neglect our needs. He is committed to our well-being and will act on our behalf, just as a loving parent cares for their child.
2. Recognize the Futility of Worry
The second key truth Jesus wants us to remember is the utter futility of worry. He asks, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27). The implied answer, of course, is that worry accomplishes nothing. It does not change our circumstances, improve our health, or lengthen our lives.
Yet despite the clear uselessness of worry, we often find ourselves caught in its grip. We fret and fuss, consumed by anxious thoughts about the future, only to discover that our worry has changed nothing. It is a fruitless, energy-draining activity that provides no benefit whatsoever.
When we recognize the futility of worry, it becomes much easier to let it go. We realize that it is a waste of time and emotional energy, and that our efforts would be better spent trusting in God’s provision and care. Worry may be a natural human response, but it is not a productive one – and certainly not one that honors the Lord.
3. Trust in God’s Fatherly Commitment
The final truth that empowers us to overcome worry is the unwavering commitment of our Heavenly Father. Jesus reminds us that “your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matthew 6:32) – referring to the basic necessities of life like food, drink, and clothing.
This speaks to the intimate knowledge and care of our Heavenly Father. He is not a distant, disinterested deity, but a loving parent who is deeply invested in our well-being. He is aware of our every need and has committed himself to meeting those needs according to his perfect wisdom and timing.
When we grasp this truth, it shatters the “orphan mentality” that so often drives our worry and anxiety. We no longer see ourselves as alone in the world, fending for ourselves and scrambling to meet our own needs. Instead, we know that we have a loving Father who delights in providing and caring for us.
- God values us highly as his beloved children.
- Worrying is a futile and unproductive activity.
- Our Heavenly Father is committed to meeting our needs.
When embraced and applied, these three truths empower us to live the “impossible” life of worry-free trust in God. They free us from the shackles of anxiety and fear and enable us to walk in the supernatural peace and confidence that can only come from resting in the Father’s love.
Living the Impossible Life
Imagine what it would be like to live and work in an environment filled with a thousand things to worry about – deadlines, performance reviews, relationship challenges, and so on – and yet remain entirely free from anxiety. Picture yourself calmly and confidently navigating those high-pressure situations, unruffled by the chaos swirling around you.
This is the kind of “impossible” life that Jesus calls us to as his followers. It’s a life that defies human logic and expectations, where people look on in awe and wonder, “How are they doing that?” It’s a life that draws attention not to ourselves but to the powerful, loving God who empowers us to live it.
When we choose to remember our great value to God, recognize the futility of worry, and trust in his fatherly commitment, we unlock the ability to do the impossible. We can live without anxiety, fear, or a divided mindfully present, fully focused on glorifying God through our work and our witness.
This kind of life is not easy, of course. Worry and anxiety are deeply ingrained habits, and breaking free of them requires constant vigilance and dependence on the Holy Spirit. But as we faithfully apply these three truths, we will find that the “impossible” becomes more and more possible. Our worry-free lives will become a powerful testimony to the transformative work of Christ in our hearts and minds.
So let today be the day you decide to banish worry from your life forever. Embrace the three truths that Jesus has provided, and step out in faith to live the impossible life that brings glory to your Heavenly Father. The world is waiting to see what God can do through you.
Face to Face With Myself
- What are the things that cause me the most worry or anxiety? Name them.
- What is the lie you believe about God and yourselves that robs you of trust in this area? God isn’t able to…….. fill in the blank.
- What scriptures can I read, testimonies I read or listen to, or people I can spend time with to bolster my faith?
Face to Face With Jesus
Spend time with Jesus and go to the gospels, looking at the plethora of situations, circumstances, and problems that Jesus dealt with, be it people, systems, nature or devils and how He overcame them all and will overcome them for you as well.
