We are all surrounded by situations that bring care into our lives. Care can be understood from different perspectives. It can refer to the process of caring for someone or something, providing what they need for their health or protection. Care can also be the attention or thought given to ensure tasks are done well, avoiding mistakes or damage. Lastly, it can be a feeling of worry or anxiety, something that causes problems or distress.
The reason for exploring these various meanings of care is to gain a proper understanding of Christ’s teaching on the subject. He says, “So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing?” The care He speaks of here refers to worry or anxiety. He knows that humanity’s basic needs revolve around these three things—food, drink, and clothing. However, this is not to say that there are no other concerns of great importance to people. Whatever the problem may be, we should always confide in Him instead of succumbing to worry, anxiety, and self-pity.
“Look at the birds of the air,” He says, “They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.” The bottom line is that worry or anxiety cannot provide solutions to your problems; instead, they add to your burdens, taking away your joy and happiness. The Scriptures say, “Rejoice at all times.” This means that whether in good or bad circumstances, we should rejoice. Reflect on how good God has been to you in the past. Find reasons to thank Him for the present, and trust in His faithfulness for the future. God is all you need in this life; lean on Him and stop giving in to your worries and anxieties. He asks, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” The answer is no. The truth is that worry or anxiety takes you away from Him.
Worry makes you look elsewhere for solutions, bringing you into a state of desperation and hopelessness. The end result may not be pleasant.
The Apostle Paul says, “Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?” The fact is, there is no need in your life that is too difficult for God to handle. If He could give up Christ for you, what else in this world can He not do for you? Christ is the best gift God has ever given you. So, depend on Him for everything, for “He makes all things beautiful in His time.”
Scripture Notes:
- Matthew 6:29–33
- Romans 8:32
- Ecclesiastes 3:11
