COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

DON'T WORRY, GOD IS WORKING

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew 6:25-32

We live in a world where people worry a lot. Every stage of life presents us with things to worry about.

Children worry about social rejection, how to please parents.

Students worry about exams, getting a good job after graduation.

Working-class people worry about keeping their jobs and promotions.

Singles worry about getting a good partner for marriage.

Parents worry about bad things happening to their children, their future.

And presently, people worry about the Coronavirus, will they and their loved ones be affected, will there be a cure?

In the midst of these situations, Jesus says, "Do not worry about your life."

Jesus speaks against worry because of the watchful care of our heavenly Father who is ever mindful of our situations, and because of worry's negative effects on us.

There is no benefit in worrying. Instead, worry drains the joy of living and brings about a deterioration of mind and body. It brings distractions, frustrations, a divided mind, and a lack of trust in the ever-faithful God.

Once worry gets a grip, people soon start worrying about things that don't exist and aren't materializing. Most of the things we worry about do not happen.

In Matthew 6:25-32, Jesus gave us some reasons why we should not worry:

A. Verses 25-26, It is unnatural for us to worry:

It has been said that we are the only creation of God who worries, the birds of the air God created do not worry because God provides for them, and we are much more valuable than them. God will provide and protect us.

As believers in Christ who carry the Divine Nature and Spirit of God, it is unnatural for us to worry because He cares, provides and protects.

Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

B. Verse 27, Worry is unhelpful:

Worry doesn't produce anything worthwhile, the more you worry the more fearful you are, and the more you are jeopardizing your health. Worry is like sitting on a swing couch that pushes you front and back but never takes you anywhere.

Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:27

C. Verse 30, Worry is unnecessary because God will surely provide for you:

If He takes care of the grass that will wither tomorrow, then He will much more care for you.

Casting all your anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

D. Verses 31-32, Worry is a lack of trust in God. When we worry, we act as if God didn't exist or He doesn't care. He cares and He will meet our needs.

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew 6:32

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?

1. Worship instead of worry:

Worship helps us to see the greatness of our God and the smallness of our problems.

Worship creates the atmosphere for the manifestation of His Presence, He inhabits our praises. (cf. Psalm 22:3)

Worship is an exercise of faith, inviting God's deliverance.

Worship was the habitual pattern of David's life. Like us, he experienced many troubles and difficulties, yet God delivered him. (cf. Psalm 34:1-3)

2. Develop the habit of being conscious of His Presence:

When you're conscious of His presence, it will strengthen your faith that He almighty God is indeed by your side. Worry will vanish, for He has promised that His presence will always be with us. (cf. Heb.13:5-6, Heb.6:18, Psalm 46:1-3)

3. Remember God's faithfulness in the Past:

When we remember the manifold blessings of God and His protection in the past, our hearts will overflow with gratitude, our lips will praise, and our faith will be strengthened. (cf. Psalm 40:5, 139:17-18)

4. Remember God's promises in the now:

God has promised that He will deliver us from the deadly pestilence and that no plague will come near our tent, that we should not worry over anything whatever. When we call to Him, He will answer us and rescue us. (cf. Psalm 50:15, 91:10-11)

Therefore…

Don't worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer. Philippians 4:6

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

By Darlington Tino, Beijing