Let me ask right from the start…
What are you most worried about right now in your life? All ages worry but in different ways. For those who are younger it might school grades or projects. Doing well in your sports competition. Fitting in with our friends. Later for young adults, it is work related, paying bills and managing finances, overcoming debt. Raising children and worried if they will be successful in life. Relationship issues… dating and finding the right person. Or going through marital problems and for some facing divorce. Many of us as older adults worry about losing a spouse or living alone again or medical bills and health care. Or if retirement funds will hold up. So all ages and stages have particular worries.
More generally, we worry over past experiences and sometimes live in regret or guilt over things we wish we would have done differently. And in the opposite direction, we worry over what the future will hold. War and global instability. Nuclear threats. Terrorism. Our cultural divide and trying to find moral clarity. And ultimately, coming to terms with our own mortality and what influence or legacy we may leave behind. Even in matters of faith and our spiritual lives…we may worry about church direction and what our next steps will be. So many things flood our mind with stress or worry and living in uncertainty. But a good place to begin is to come to a greater understanding of worry.
First, we want to define worry. I think most of could describe or define it.
Defining Worry
Worry is defined as a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems. The key word is uncertainty of outcomes so we spend energy and time worrying over what MIGHT happen. I think as well that we tend to think of the negative things that could happen. It was Mark Twain who is known for saying,
“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them have never happened.” ― Mark Twain
You have heard the expression, “Ole Joe is a worry wart!” Or “Susie is such a worry wart…she would worry if she didn’t have something to worry about”. I was curious as to the origin of the term “worry wart”. Well, I didn’t know it, but “worry wart” is a real expression concerning those who worry at lot. I found this information on the internet:
The mnemonic “WORRY WARTS” is not commonly used in medical practice. However, it can be used as a playful way to remember some of the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This is like an acronym for “worry warts”. Are you ready for this?
W – Worry or excessive apprehension
O – On edge or feeling keyed up
R – Restlessness
R – Roused up or experiencing Irritability
Y – Yielding to worry (difficulty controlling it). Now the WARTS part:
W – Worry about multiple events or activities
A – Activation (physiological increases, heart rate, blood pressure)
R – Racing thoughts
T – Tension in muscles
S – Sleep disturbances
You may find yourself experiencing one or more of those symptoms related to worry or anxiety. It has been noted that nearly 1/3 of our country are not happy or they are not at peace within themselves. This could mean that 1/3 of those present today are wrestling with issues or problems or concerns that are causing you to worry right now.
Again, in nearly every instance worry comes when we are uncertain about an outcome or ending. We desire to control an outcome or situation that might not turn out good, so this becomes a source of worry. Let’s look at a couple of common worries that Jesus confronts in this passage today:
One: Worry Over Suffering or Death/Mortality
This a very long passage that covers many issues or concerns. In the first part of this chapter, Jesus speaks harshly against the Jewish leaders and then relays that following Him might result in being imprisoned or killed! This would not make up a chapter in how to make friends and influence people. This would probably cause a lot of people to worry, right? Or even to turn away from following Jesus. And many did.
So, how do we overcome this worry, even the reality of facing persecution or death? BTW nearly all the disciples were martyred. This statement of Jesus came to reality for them.
Jesus teaches that we need to have a higher priority on our soul, not just our body. I think the priority of spiritual realities above physical or material realities are woven throughout this chapter and indeed throughout the NT. For example, look at what Jesus says back in verse 4 of this same chapter:
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Lk 12:4
Right after this teaching, Jesus offers comforting and assuring words that God watches over the sparrows and knows when they die. And they are sold for small change…The important point being that no one is overlooked by God, not even sparrows that are of little value and often overlooked or unnoticed. Speaking of sparrows…
I mentioned this in an article a couple weeks ago regarding the great hymn, His Eye is on the Sparrow, written by Civilla Martin in 1905. Martin had visited an older couple in NY named Dolittle. Mrs. Doolittle was bedridden for 20 years and Mr. Dolittle was in a wheelchair. But despite their ill health and limitations they were vibrant in spirit and attitude. When Civilla Martin asked them how they could stay so positive and inspiring in their circumstances…Mrs. Dolittle replied with confidence using the words of the scripture today…
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. Thus, the words of this classic hymn were created… You know the lines…
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home? When Jesus is my portion. My constant friend is He; His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me!
Special notice here on the words that persuade us not so much to long for heaven but to be assured of Jesus presence in our current situation. Although we know heaven awaits us.
In a text about this author and pastor, Magrey deVega says… To be comforted by God does not mean we are removed from suffering but that we are given new ways of seeing God’s presence right in the middle of that suffering. Magrey deVega
Far from the prosperity theology of today, the call of Jesus can bring us into trials and struggles and even persecution or death as with the early disciples and some today in places of persecution. I think the recent murder of Charlie Kirk is modern example of this.
But we have assurance that no matter what happens, like the 3 Hebrew children in the fiery furnace there is a 4th man in the fire with us! We are never overlooked or alone. The Dolittle’s serve to remind us that his eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me and you!
There is also a riveting word here from Jesus regarding the futile nature of worry. Look at:
v5 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
Worry is wasting time, mental and emotional energy on things we cannot control. It is a lack of trust in God’s work to be accomplished in an outcome that is unknown and feared regarding negative possibilities. We simply do not know what is going to happen, so we worry about the outcome or result.
Steve Jobs, cofounder of Apple and Pixar, said this at the Standford University Commencement before his death,
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Steve Jobs
In our own Methodist history, we recall the story of Wesley on the ship from American in a terrible storm fearing for his life while a Christian group of Moravians were singing. It was convicting to Wesley who lacked real assurance of his soul salvation and leading up to his famous Aldersgate experience when his heart was strangely warmed. I would simply ask: Do you have this assurance today? I believe this is what Jesus gives to everyone who trusts in Him even when we face death! Stephen’s words should encourage all of us… as he was being stoned to death… I see Jesus standing at the Father’s right hand.
We need not worry over death. We have One who has conquered it! And one who knows even when the sparrow falls. As His eye is on the sparrow, his eye is on us! Now to the next common worry that Jesus identifies:
Two: Worry Over Physical Needs
Earlier in this chapter, Jesus is confronted by a man who wants him to settle a dispute over his brother’s inheritance (Luke 12:13f). I heard somewhere the funny expression, where there is a will there are relatives. This guy was one of those relatives!
Jesus seemed to cut to the chase and read into this man’s heart, as He does all our hearts. The problem identified was greed. He then tells the story of the rich farmer. And the words Jesus uses to warn against hoarding up wealth is rather harsh, a long way from comforting words related to sparrows and lilies.
As we think further, we might ask, “What is the source of greed or hoarding?” Modern psychology may refer to it as a “disorder”. But with greed or hoarding there is a fear or worry that we will not have enough. Somehow, we think our supply will run out and we will need more and more and more. And we never reach a point where it is ENOUGH.
This teaching against worry is also teaching how we exercise faith over fear and God’s provision and presence over a scarcity mentality. A scarcity mentality always leads to greed and traces of hoarding because we are worried over not having enough. The parable of the rich farmer is a great lesson on making sure that we are using God’s resources, not keeping them only for ourselves or hoarding more than sharing. We don’t need a bigger barn; we need a bigger heart!
Yet we see that unknown outcomes or uncertainties can be compelling in some areas.
We love sports competitions on most all levels and in evenly matched teams there is an uncertainty of the outcome. But this does not create worry, unless we have made a gamble and placed a bet on a team which is unwise at best. Or we may have a level of anxiety of how the game will end but most fans enjoy the rivalry and the competition despite not knowing the final score. Fans fill stadiums to watch and root for their teams, hoping for a final victory. In a sport arena there is not much worry as much as suspense and wide-eyed anticipation because outside of the ticket price, we are enjoying the competition! So there is not a lot to lose other than a little embarrassment if our team plays poorly or we lose bragging rights. Unless you are the coach and your job is on the line, there is more anticipation and excitement than worry.
But it becomes a whole different ball game (pun intended) when it is more personal and how it affects our life or livelihood, right? When we are undergoing surgery, or our job is on the line, or the project fails, or that big test determines our future scholarship…then this weighs heavier on our minds, and the risk of loss becomes more personal and more costly. Jesus focuses on this with our basic human needs.
When it comes to the physical stuff of life…our food and drink and clothing…the 3 basic needs of food, shelter and clothing… we can and often worry over these things. However, we are fortunate to have a restaurant on every block. It is more to worry where we are going to eat rather than if we have enough to eat!! But for some this is a real dilemma. Jesus was addressing people where food and water were in scarce supply. This is like the pandemic dilemma when supplies were hoarded because people were afraid they may run out or not have enough even with toilet tissue for heaven’s sake!
So how do we overcome worry? Well…what is the opposite of worry?
We overcome worry when we have Assurance or Confidence about what will happen or how things will turn out. Or better… we have assurance or confidence in the Lord no matter what outcome or consequences we face. I think this is the key to this chapter and to overcome worry. It is found in v 31. Here is what it reads.
31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Our fallen nature tends to do the opposite… seek all the other things and then have the kingdom in there somewhere… but not first. We have the order wrong so we move toward disorder and then worry…worry…worry… about how we will attain the things we want OR try and control the outcome and our lives become unbalanced and never really satisfied. We live on the edge of uncertainty, and we become a worry wart!
One of the classic scriptures about worry concerns Martha. I think it also gives us vital information in overcoming worry. This story is found a little earlier in Luke. Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha was so worried about having all the details of hosting the party that she missed the greatest part…the worship and adoration of Jesus. She was so caught up in secondary things that she missed the primary person who made all those other things work together correctly. Like Martha, we get distracted and so often miss Jesus and the Kingdom while worrying about secondary things. Worry is essentially our taking Jesus’ place in trying to control the outcome or results rather than seeking His Kingdom first…The key to overcoming worry is taking a lesson from the sparrow and Mrs. Dolitte. For surely His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me! He watches over all of us no matter what our situation. We trust Him to work out all things together for our good!