Do Not Worry

“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:19-20 NKJV). For some reason this command is not found in standard lists of commandments of Jesus. This command is also found at Matthew 6:25, but in a different context. It reads: “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?” (Matthew 6:25 ESV).

The context in Matthew 10 is coming persecution, while in Matthew 6 it is about daily living. The one we think about the most here in the west relates to daily living, simply because we don't currently live under persecution. That experience may be closer than we think and should be considered.

In Matthew 10, Jesus speaks of us as sheep being sent out in the midst of wolves. This illustration and the details Jesus gives about what will happen is clearly understood as it is being experienced in countries of persecution. There the wolves, the evil men, the pawns of darkness, will bring us before those in authority, usually with false charges. Family members may oppose us as well as others. Sheep in the midst of wolves describes suffering, even death for the sheep.

In Matthew 6, Jesus appears to be speaking to those living in poverty who are anxious about having what they need for daily living. This is a common experience by many who live in countries of persecution, under unstable social conditions, or times of severe environmental conditions. There are many things that are related to daily living that seem to stimulate us to worry from time to time.

Following both examples, Jesus gives reasons why we should not be anxious or worry. To read those reasons please see Matthew 6:25 – 33 and Matthew 10:16 – 22. In addition to those suggestions, we should think about what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6 – 7 (ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV). Verse 6 describes what we are to do when we feel anxious and verse 7 gives the benefits. For further information on this, please follow this link to a previous study.

Prayer

Father, worry seems to be an emotion that reveals our apparent inability to cope with something. These verses remind us not to remain in that state, but instead remember that you love us and will care for us and that we should come to you and with thanksgiving we should share what we are experiencing. Help us stay focused on you and not on the situation that is troubling us so that we may enjoy your peace and hope in the midst of trouble.

See "The Commands of Jesus" Index to view other commands.