Worrying. That unpleasant feeling of anxiousness about what is to come. We’ve all experienced it, and we will definitely experience more of it in the future. But the big question is, who should we turn to when we worry?

What the Bible says about worrying

In Luke 12:6-7, it says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (NIV)

Now a little context here. Sparrows were abundant and small, meaning they were sold pretty cheaply in the Bible times- hence “are not five sparrows sold for two pennies”. 

Yet, if God forgets not one small sparrow among many, we have no need to worry or think God doesn’t care about His children, who are worth much more than a sparrow.

Isn’t it comforting to know that there is Someone who knows you better than you do, and that He holds the future?

When we worry, we are taking God’s role into our own hands. We think that it depends on us. But we, with our limited human strength, aren’t strong enough to take matters into our own hands. How can we, created beings, ever do a better job than God, the Creator? We need to trust in God. He is in charge of the future.

A while ago, I stumbled across this verse and it’s stuck with me, especially when I’m fretting over a small problem or event. Matthew 6:27 says, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

And when you think about it, it’s true! Worrying excessively on a certain thing won’t magically solve all your problems. It won’t turn back time. 

The chapter (Matthew 6) goes on to give an example, elaborating that we can turn to God when we worry. “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” 

This passage also addresses a worry that we still experience nowadays—appearance, whether it be clothes, looks or popularity. But the Bible reminds us that we do not have to worry about earthly things (see Matthew 6:25).  By looking at God’s creation, we can see how God cares—even for the “small” things.

So… does that mean we should never worry at all?

No. As humans, we are bound to worry. However, what’s more important is how we deal and respond to worries, and how we develop courage. 

Worrying puts our focus in the wrong direction. As I mentioned earlier, when we worry, we are taking matters into our own hands instead of leaving them to God. So how should we respond?

Read the Bible

Reading the Bible reminds us of God’s promises. It also helps us see God’s providence and active work in and through the lives of the people in the Bible. God’s Word teaches. By meditating on His Word, it gives wisdom and courage. 

Turn to God in prayer

When we worry, turn to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” By remembering and thanking God for what He has done, it reminds us of God’s goodness. God knows our needs and what’s best for His children (see Matthew 6:32). Prayer is not the last resort. 

I want to end the article by sharing a hymn by Civilla Durfee Martin and Charles Hutchinson Gabriel- ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’:

Why should I feel discouraged

Why should the shadows come

Why should my heart feel lonely

And long for heaven and home

When Jesus is my portion

A constant friend is He

His eye is on the sparrow

And I know He watches over me

His eye is on the sparrow

And I know He watches me

I sing because I’m happy

I sing because I’m free

His eye is on the sparrow

And I know He watches me 

His eye is on the sparrow

And I know He watches

I know He watches

I know He watches me

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