The concept of "overmuch care" refers to excessive worry or anxiety about the concerns of life, which can detract from one's spiritual focus and trust in God's provision. The Bible provides numerous warnings against such anxiety, encouraging believers to place their trust in God rather than being consumed by worldly concerns.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 6:25-34: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of worry directly. He instructs His followers not to be anxious about their lives, including what they will eat, drink, or wear. Jesus emphasizes that life is more than food and the body more than clothing. He points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as examples of God's provision, urging believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that all these things will be added to them. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).

2. Philippians 4:6-7: The Apostle Paul provides further counsel against anxiety, encouraging believers to present their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. He assures them that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

3. 1 Peter 5:7: Peter exhorts believers to cast all their anxieties on God, because He cares for them. This verse highlights the personal nature of God's concern for His people and His willingness to bear their burdens. "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

4. Luke 10:38-42: The account of Mary and Martha provides a practical illustration of overmuch care. Martha is described as being "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made," while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus gently rebukes Martha, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

Theological Insights:

The warnings against overmuch care are rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Believers are called to trust in God's provision and care, recognizing that He is in control of all circumstances. Overmuch care can lead to a divided heart, where one's focus is shifted from God to the temporal concerns of life. This can hinder spiritual growth and lead to a lack of peace and joy.

The biblical exhortation to avoid excessive worry is not a call to neglect responsibilities or to live carelessly. Rather, it is an invitation to live in a posture of trust and dependence on God, acknowledging His ability to provide for every need. By prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness, believers can experience the peace that comes from knowing that God is both willing and able to care for them in every aspect of life.Luke 21:34
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come on you unawares.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... is no repentance; thus in a solemn warning against procrastination he ... in the right
way; but have a care thou beguile ... also if thou be prying overmuch into God's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

Matt. xxvii. 11, 12
... 2. See how much care he taketh for them to ... such a one should be swallowed up with
overmuch sorrow." [3082 ... even these little things, hear what warning He gives us ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxvi matt xxvii 11.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Take great care that you do not judge rashly; that you ... righteousness," you warn not
to "be righteous overmuch." Thus you ... O take warning of Him in whose name ye ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 32 upon our lords.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... power are condemned and become a warning to all ... 21 Take care, dear friends, that
his many blessings do ... Do not indulge in talking overmuch." [86] ?^6We should ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... both of them liable, without a moment's warning, to be ... not slip thee, either for
want of care or provision ... 1.) Sit always loose from an overmuch affecting thine ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Church Abuses.
... to be with higher objects, should become overmuch entangled with ... but is of opinion
that 'no care is wanting in ... they reform; and if, when this warning hath been ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

Enthusiasm.
... to notice with what singular care they often ... could hold up, in ridicule or warning,
profuse illustrations ... the Preacher as to being righteous overmuch.[541] But ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter vii enthusiasm.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... are Beloved of their King, under His care: What goodly ... near the highway, that others
may see and take warning. ... rot, and their crimes live forever against them. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... bailiff, he will seize thee without warning; but with ... Zeal for God against sin,
profaneness, superstition, and idolatry ... with out mouth that we care not whether ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... "Lead me, O Zeus, and thou, too, Destiny.". He vindicates Providence against injustice. ...
"God has delivered yourself to your own care, and says, 'I had no fitter ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

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