Several

times in these verses Jesus says, “Do not worry,” or “Do not be

anxious.” Yet simply telling an anxious person to stop being

anxious rarely helps. Does anyone who is anxious make the choice to

be that way? Why, then, would Jesus say this? His words run much

deeper than simply saying “Stop it.” He reminds us that there are

things beyond our control that require us to trust in God’s care

and provision.

I’ve

had to learn this lesson repeatedly in life. I’ve never been in

charge. Yet my humanness wants desperately to be in control. I don’t

like being dependent on others. And I often give lip-service to my

dependence on God. My insecurity drives my desire for control, and

realizing that I’m not in control intensifies my insecurity—and

the result is anxiety.

Jesus

points out that God provides abundantly for the birds of the air and

the flowers of the field. God cares deeply for all of his creation.

So we can be confident that God will certainly provide for us.

And

with God’s providence comes his amazing power to reset our focus in

life. We cannot get past our anxiety without knowing that God, who is

in control, also loves us and knows what is best for us—­always.