When I was on my year out, I shared a house with a number of people on my Oasis team in Birmingham. Outside our team leader’s bedroom, above the door, was this simple phrase,
“WORRY IS UNBELIEF PARADING IN DISGUISE.”

I was thinking about worry today. Lets read a little of what Jesus said on the subject:

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?” (Matt. 6:25).

The term “worry” is very interesting in this context. To begin with, the word used by Matthew (translated here as “anxious”) is the Greek term ‘merimnao’. It is a combination of two smaller words, ‘merizo,’ meaning “to divide,” and nous, meaning “the mind.” In other words, a person who is anxious suffers from a divided mind, leaving him or her disquieted and distracted. Interesting huh?

To me, that describes a panic attack…

Who does that conjur up for you the most? Well, from Scripture we would probably say dear old Martha wouldn’t we? She gets a bad press that woman… but I am very grateful for her appearances in Scripture. She often reminds me of me. Sad. But true.

Remember the story where Jesus dropped by her home in Bethany? Martha turns the occasion into a panic fest. To make matters worse, Martha’s sister, Mary, is so pleased to have Jesus visit their home that she sits back with Him and seems utterly clueless that her sister is having a melt down! Wow! There is nothing worse when we are beside ourselves with fear to find someone else saying,
“Hey! Chill out. There’s nothing to worry about here!”

As Luke tells us, “Martha was distracted with all her preparations” (Luke 10:40). She reaches her boiling point, saying. “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me” (10:40).

But Jesus was not impressed by her busyness or intimidated by her command. I think he may have actually smiled at her. I can imagine Lazarus behind his sister, motioning to Jesus silently ‘ OH NO! DON”T SMILE. THAT WILL REALLY WIND HER UP!”

Graciously, yet firmly, He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (10:41-42).

Worry occurs when we assume responsibility for things that are outside our control. We worry about things we cannot change….

What is Jesus’ solution? “Only a few things are necessary, really only one.”

He wants us to be more like Mary for a reason. All Mary wanted was time with Jesus . . . and He commended her for that. Mary’s simple faith, in contrast to her sister’s panic attack, won the Saviour’s affirmation. Something I crave big style. You?