(J.R. Miller, “Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ” 1890)
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“Who of you by worrying, can add a single cubit to his height?” Matthew 6:27
So it is useless to worry!
One worries because he is too short–another because he is too tall;
one worries because he too lean–another because he is too heavy;
No amount of fretting will change any of these things!
People worry, about their circumstances. They are poor and have to work hard; have troubles, losses, and disappointments which come through causes entirely beyond their own control. They find difficulties in their environment which they cannot surmount. There are hard conditions in their lot which they cannot change.
Now, why should they worry about these things? Will worrying make matters any better? Will discontent . . .
cure the blind eye, or
give health to the infirm body?
Will chafing make . . .
the hard work, lighter;
or the burdens, easier;
or the troubles, fewer?
Will anxiety . . .
keep the winter away, or
keep the storm from rising, or
put bread in the pantry, or
get clothes for the children?
Even human reason shows the uselessness of worrying since it helps nothing, and only wastes one’s strength and unfits one for doing one’s best!
OBSTACLES ARE BLESSINGS
The Christian gospel goes further and says that even the hard things and the obstacles are blessings if we meet them in the right spirit. They are stepping-stones lifting our feet upward–disciplinary experiences in which we grow.
So we learn that we should quietly, and with faith in God’s Providence, accept life as it comes to us–fretting at nothing, yet changing hard conditions to easier ones if we can. And if we cannot, then we must use them as means for growth and advancement.
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33
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