Full of WorrySýnishorn

Trust

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Matthew 6:34

The particular word translated as anxious is a form of the Greek word merimna, and that word, depending on the context, can be positive or negative. It can refer to a legitimate concern, a matter of responsibility. Or it can also refer to pride, which is sinful.

For example, in 2 Corinthians 11:28, Paul writes, “And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” The word is used in a positive context. Paul is legitimately concerned as an apostle, as one who oversees churches, about the health and well-being of those churches and the dangers facing them. This is his work in the Lord.

Parents know legitimate concerns as they raise their children. Parents have to teach their children and be aware of the dangers facing them. Pastors know legitimate concern for the people that we shepherd. It’s right that we watch for souls; this is something we’re going to give an account for at the last judgment. In the realm of business, you have responsibilities and legitimate concerns about managing your work and perhaps those who work for you. All of these are legitimate things.

But in all these areas, what is legitimate can easily become illegitimate when we pass into the realm where we’re not trusting our God. John Calvin said, “If we give proper attention to the words of Christ, we shall find that He does not forbid every kind of care, but only what arises from distrust.”

Paul’s concern for the churches is not illegitimate. But if he had begun to think that he alone protected the churches,” forgetting that they’re in the hand of God, he would have become prideful, taking too much upon himself. Now that’s sinful. That’s an improper kind of anxiety.

It is right that you’re concerned about your children, but if you think that you alone are responsible for how your children turn out, you’ve taken too much upon yourself. You’re no longer trusting the Lord.

Ask yourself, “Does this concern reflect what God has assigned to me because I’m taking it seriously, or does it represent some kind of distrust in my heart concerning God?” If you are not trusting the Lord, then your concern is sinful anxiety.

Father, I confess my worry over things I think I can control. Please forgive my pride.