Mar 26: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   March 26, 2025

Worry Distracts Us from God’s Kingdom: Jesus reminds us that when we worry, we become distracted from seeking first the Kingdom of God. Our primary focus should be on pursuing God’s will, and everything else will fall into place.

Wednesday Verse

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

How can I prioritize seeking God’s Kingdom over worrying about my day-to-day concerns? What anxieties can I give to God today?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

“Don’t worry. Be happy.” This was the title of a popular song in the late 80s by singer-songwriter Bobby McFerrin. It was the first a cappella song to reach #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 list. While the song was popular, the spoken sentiment was —and still is —often not. When we are worried, being told to stop it feels uniquely unhelpful. But that is precisely what Jesus tells us to do when He says, “That is why I tell you not to worry…” Matthew 6:25

Coming from Jesus, this assignment carries (or should carry) a different weight and urgency. When a friend or family member tells us not to worry, it can often be to make their life easier – a worrier can really be a downer, or that friend or family member may feel pressure to come through for us in ways they would rather not. But Jesus’ reasoning for telling us not to worry is different. Worry clouds our thinking and can severely limit our ability to evaluate opportunities and solutions. When we get caught up in worry, we lose sight of what we need. That is what Jesus is reminding us of in our reading this week. Where worry draws our attention to problems, faith helps us focus on the God who is bigger than any problem we will ever face. Faith isn’t blind optimism, though. Faith works like the lens on a camera. The eyes of faith see all that is going on but choose to clearly focus on God, His love, and resources. By deliberately focusing our attention on God, our thinking and perspective will change. In every challenge, He has promised to either change the situation or change us to meet it. Verses like these remind us of this:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

When we set our focus on God and His promises, it will shift our thinking, and when that happens, our feelings will follow.

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org