The Desire to Be Free from Worry - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 20
The Desire to Be Free from Worry
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” - Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)
Worry weighs heavily on most of us. Tight deadlines at work, endless tests in college, and difficult financial situations can cause us to worry. To worry is to be human. Although many of us may feel ashamed for worrying, we must remember that it is a part of life.
We can trust God and still feel worried about certain circumstances. Worry does not equate to a lack of faith in God. Rather, worry is simply what it is: being afraid or doubtful about what will happen. Worry can completely control our lives if we let it; however, we can also stand up to it.
My dad and I are avid walkers, and we often come across many cyclists. What I have noticed about most cyclists is that their biggest concern is speed. Many of them ride with a forward lean, as it helps them become more aerodynamic and enhances their speed.
However, there is one cyclist we occasionally see who is different from the others. Rather than being hunched over and focused on speed, he simply rides his bike, plays music from a loudspeaker, and appears to be free from worry: laid back, relaxed, and genuinely happy to be there.
As he passed us one day, I told my dad, “I wish I could be that relaxed.” I think most of us feel the same way… to be free from worry and to genuinely enjoy the little things in life. While I’m sure this cyclist has worries at times, he also seems to know when to let them go and focus on what brings him joy.
This is something we should aim to do in our own lives. While our worries may not disappear, we can learn to set them apart from other areas of our lives. The first step in easing these worries is to turn to God in prayer and reading the Bible.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Jesus tells us, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:33-34, NLT).
Rather than endlessly worrying about what is to come, we need to surrender these worries to God (1 Peter 5:7). As the Lord says, we are to focus on the Kingdom of God and live in obedience to Him. This means focusing on the present and faithfully living out God’s teachings found in Scripture.
If we choose the path of worry, it will be difficult to stay focused on God. Worry can cause us to spiral further. Yet it can be eased by talking with God. Tell Him why you are worried. Be honest with Him. He will never downplay your concerns or treat them as unimportant.
It is also helpful to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8-9). Fixing our minds on these things can help quiet our worries. Instead of dwelling on the concerns of today or tomorrow, reflect on the beauty around you—the trees, a joyful call from a friend, or a warm hug from a loved one.
Pray to God whenever worry rises in your heart. Let’s go to Him together:
Dear God, I want to be free from worry. You know how worry creeps into my mind every day. At times, it feels like it could drown me. Help me to rise above the worry and to reflect upon Your Son’s words. Guide my heart after Your Kingdom and to live for You. Remove my anxious, worried heart and replace it with a steadfast, unwavering heart. Thank You for listening to my prayers, God. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.
What are your most common worries? How can you apply Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33-34 to your life?
Further Reading:
Psalm 55:22
Proverbs 12:25
Matthew 11:28-30
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/m-imagephotography
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
