Do you ever just wake up and start your day with way too much on your mind? Ever feel like just going back to bed and pulling the covers up over your head? That feeling happens to most of us on occasion.
Some of us have so many tasks on our “to-do” list that it would take a month to get them done. And we think we’re going to accomplish them all today. Some of us have so many people on our “got to take care of” list, that we could make a small army out of them, or at very least fill the roster of an NFL team. Some of us have so many worries and concerns on our mind that our brain begins to feel like a hundred pound dumbbell. It’s a wonder that we can even hold our chin up. Sadly, many of us don’t - keep our chin up, that is. Instead, we get lost in our worries.
But there is another way. And that’s the way of faith.Or, as Jesus puts it, "the way of the kingdom."
Jesus commands us not to worry: “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life.” (Matthew 6:25, NIV) And he goes on to say that when we worry, we are displaying “little faith.” (v. 30)
His command is to replace worry with seeking. And what does he want us to seek? He wants us to seek our Heavenly Father’s kingdom, and his righteousness. He says that he wants us to seek that first, before anything else. (v. 33)
So here are a few “free-yourself-from-worry” tips, based on Jesus’ command to seek God’s kingdom first:
- We seek God’s kingdom first when we get in touch with God’s words and promises.
“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:25-28, NIV)
- We seek God’s kingdom first when we are faithful in attendance at the Lord’s Supper.
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26, NIV)
- We seek God’s kingdom first when we pray and ask God for his help.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)
- We seek God’s kingdom first when we are willing to treat each day as a gift and not worry about the future.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34, NIV)
- We seek God’s kingdom first when we train our minds to rest in the peace and forgiveness that Jesus Christ gives us, especially when we feel weak or fearful.
"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Corinthians 2:2-5, NIV)
- We seek God’s kingdom first when, strengthened by God’s grace, we go to work and do our best to do what God has given us to do that day.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV)
- We seek God's kingdom first when we seek out other Christ-followers and nurture our Christian friendship and fellowship.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." (Acts 4:32, NIV)