Bob Marley’s famous song, ‘Three Little Birds’, has a very recognisable chorus, which goes:
“Don’t worry, about a thing,
Cause every little thing, is gonna be alright”.
The song is a simple encouragement for listeners to relax and not to be anxious or worried. We find the same message in the Gospel of Matthew, in greater detail, when Jesus says:
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear… Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?... Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Mt 6:25-34).
Research in Australia and overseas has consistently shown that we are more stressed than ever before. In our high-pressure world, there are so many things to worry about – our employment, financial obligations, relationships, and so on. From the moment we wake up until the second we hit the pillow, there are emails to respond to, bills to pay, phone calls to make, chores to be done, meals to prepare and clothes to wash. With so many competing demands for our time, it’s no wonder that many of us experience an enormous amount of stress on a daily basis.
But when we are stressed or heavily burdened by worry, we can take great comfort in Jesus’ gentle reminder. Or, as the 20th century Italian priest, St Padre Pio, used to say: “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
Of course, ceasing to worry about our life doesn’t mean we adopt a type of laziness or are so carefree as to neglect our basic needs, telling ourselves that God will provide. On the contrary, a certain amount of sensible prudence and planning for the future is a wise use of our God-given intellect.
Jesus encourages us not to be consumed by anxiety and worry over earthly matters, instead entrusting all of our concerns to our heavenly Father, who knows all our needs. The next time you are feeling excessively stressed or worried, turn to God in prayer. The US-based Sisters of Life have composed a beautiful ‘Litany of Trust’, which you might like to use, or you could simply pray: “Jesus, I trust in you.” Then allow God to take care of the rest.
Further Reading
Trusting in God without fear (Archdiocese of Brisbane)
To learn what trust means, look to St Joseph (The Catholic Weekly)
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust. (Catholic Religious Australia)
Image: Lightstock
Words: Matthew Biddle