“God’s faithfulness washes away worry.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 17, 2025
Do not worry about tomorrow. Matthew 6:34
Held hostage, not physically but mentally. Mental abduction happens to me when I obsess over the future. Fear is one common captor. My assurance of being beloved by my heavenly Father flees when pursued by the fear of the future. Worst-case scenarios roost in my head, clucking their doomsday noise. What if my health declines sooner rather than later? What if the stock market plunges right before we need to access savings? Why do we worry about tomorrow when we know deep down that worry is a time waster that changes no future events? G.K. Chesterton quips, “I know as much about the future as you do, which is absolutely nothing.”
Why did Jesus command us not to worry about tomorrow? One reason is His desire for us to trust His love and provision. Trust happens in honesty, so by being vulnerable with our Father about our fears, He gifts us His grace to trust Him. Grace gives, while worry takes. Worry steals our peace, distracts us from the present, and demonstrates a lack of faith in God’s faithfulness. Indeed, fear of the future cannot change circumstances but can rob us of today’s joy. So, with a heart to love and trust the Lord, how can we be prepared to deal with worry in a healthy way?
One way to avoid the worry trap is to learn from the past. Chesterton again weighs in, “When we look back, we see a mountain of material to be discovered and contemplated, and learned from. When we look ahead, there is only a vast unknown.” Learning from the failures and mistakes experienced personally and with others is a wise starting point for pondering the past. We can ask God for wisdom to understand lessons He may be teaching through those experiences (James 1:5). Seek counsel from Scripture and trusted mentors to gain perspective. Use the past to grow, not to dwell in regret. Commit to making better choices in the future, aligning your life with God, and trusting Him to redeem even your missteps. Wisdom lets the past inform the future.
Another worry killer is embracing and celebrating the faithfulness of your heavenly Father. The Lord’s faithfulness is your anchor in times of uncertainty, deterring worry by reminding you of His unchanging nature. When you reflect on His promises, you see that He never fails. Scripture assures you in Lamentations 3:22-23, “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” God has always provided for your needs, guided you through challenges, and strengthened you in weakness. Worry fades when you trust His character and sovereignty. He knows your future, holds it securely, and works all things for your good (Romans 8:28). Instead of fearing the unknown, lean on His faithfulness. As you recall His past provisions and rest in His care, worry gives way to peace. Faithfulness washes away worry.
Love is a powerful antidote to worry because it helps you regulate as you contemplate inwardly on God’s love for you and focus outwardly, away from fear and toward serving others. When you experience Perfect Love, you are reminded that He is in control and deeply cares for you (1 John 4:18). His assurance is a healing compress to your heart. Additionally, as you extend love to others, your energy goes into serving, encouraging, and building relationships, leaving little room for anxiety. Love facilitates trust, deepens faith, and replaces fear with peace, creating a life centered on God’s care and compassion. A heart captured by love is a freed worry hostage.
Prayer
Lord, I surrender my worries to You. Fill me with Your peace and remind me of Your faithfulness. Help me trust in Your perfect plan and rest in Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What past experience informs God’s future faithfulness to you?
Related Reading
Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 55:22; John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7
Worship Resource
Shane and Shane: Psalm 34
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