During this pandemic, I’ve seen a lot of fear and
worry. Sometimes we need to be reminded
that fear is a natural response and is our body’s way of informing us that we
are potentially in danger. But we also need to keep in mind that worrying often
reveals the idols of our heart.
If you’ve been the worrier lately, then you’ve probably
looked up scriptures that instruct us to “fret not” and remind us of how God
takes care of everyone and every thing. (Which is absolutely the truth, though
we often forget.)
One of the more popular portions of scripture on worry is
Matthew 6:25-34, which speaks on how worrying does not add a single hour to our
lives (can I get an amen?!) and reminds us all that the Lord does indeed
provide for even the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.
But it’s the verses right before this that we seem to miss
and probably need the most. Jesus tells
us that we cannot serve two masters (vs. 24).
It is a call to single-hearted devotion toward God.
Verses 19-24 point out the things that are competing for our
hearts. Competing treasures (19-21), competing eyes (22-23), and competing
masters (24).
What are you putting your hope in? For some of us, it’s things. Especially while having all of this extra
time at home, we think buying something new will bring us joy and comfort while
we are in distress. For others, it’s wanting what everyone else has. And
ultimately, we must choose whom (or what) we shall serve.
We often feel guilty about our fear and worry. Does our worry mean that we do not trust the
Lord? Jesus addresses the worriers as those with “little” faith, not those with
no faith (Matt. 6:30). If your fears,
doubts, and worries have you discouraged today, I encourage you to look the
Master.
Don’t allow fear to become your master. It cannot improve your future and instead
diverts you from the good you could be doing now. Focus on your Father, embrace
his promises, and seek his kingdom.
