Don't Worry, God's Got This

“Do not be afraid”

These words show up in various forms 300+ times throughout the bible. (I believe the number is 365 actually, cool huh?) We are told this so many times, but yet as humans we still fear. I know I struggle with this on a daily basis. Even though I’ve been told not to be afraid literally hundreds of times.

My biggest fear is probably the fear of man. I am terrified of the people around me. I am terrified of what they may think of me at any given time. I am afraid of what they may say or do to me.

I believe this fear is common to the whole of mankind. No one likes people talking behind their back and everyone worries about what others might be capable of. I think that’s one of the reasons Jesus addresses this fear specifically in Matthew:

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell.” Matthew 10:28

In the sense of eternity, what can man really do to us? They can’t do anything to our souls, and those are what lasts. So we might as well live for the One who holds our eternity.

Later in the same passage, Jesus gives us another reason not to fear:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs on your head are numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31

He who know what happens to every bird has counted the very hairs on our heads. He knows everything about us and cares more about us than the birds He made. He promises to take care of us and knows everything that our future holds.

As a small disclaimer however, He does not ever say that nothing bad will happen and that we’ll have a fantastic life and get rich and all of that. The so called “prosperity gospel” that is so often taught is completely contrary to Jesus’ teachings. He teaches almost the exact opposite of that. He says the world will persecute and hate us. However He includes a promise with this.

“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22

Many other times He tells us that we will be persecuted because He was persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:20) But we know that he will give us strength to endure. Nothing can happen to us without His permission and, as it says in romans 8:28, God does work all things together for the good of those who love Him, and towards His ultimate purpose.

Another common fear that I used to struggle with was the fear of death and dying. Then I started to wonder why I fear that so much. If I am confident in Christ, shouldn’t I look forward to my death for the life afterwards with Christ?

Think about what Paul said to the church in Philippi-

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

We should live our lives reflecting Christ, and when we die we get to go to an eternity with Him. So, instead of fearing death, I really think we should look forward to the life afterwards.

Then there is the lesser for of fear; worry. We worry about our clothes and hair and our food and our houses and friends. We obsess over the future and get agitated over the past. But this is not condoned in the bible. As a matter of fact, we are told not to worry.

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Matthew 6:31-34

This is the ESV translation, so many of you are probably accustomed to the NIV’s translation of anxious being worry instead, but with either version, it boils down to the fact that we are not supposed to worry.

God knows exactly what we need and will add them to us when He thinks is right. Our only concern should be seeking God in His righteousness. Nothing else should be as important to us as that. And if we are so fully fixated on God like that, will we really have room to worry about anything?

It’s the last part of this section that really strikes me. As someone who has just chosen a college and will be going next fall, I find myself constantly worrying about my future. I don’t know what’s coming and I don’t know what to expect. But Christ tells me not to be anxious about tomorrow. It doesn’t matter what tomorrow might hold, God will take care of me and I have to trust that.

So remember one thing next time you are afraid or worried. God’s got this. He is the creator of everything and He will take care of you. It won’t always be easy or fun, but if you believe in Him, He will lead you to where you need to be.