How often do you find yourself worrying about something? We worry about tomorrow, the economy, our jobs, and friendships. We worry about our kids, our parents, and our health.
One thing that life and more than 2 decades of counseling individuals has taught me is that people often feel anxious. Personally, I know I’m often caught in the clutches of fear and worry. Some of us have the proclivity to experience it to a greater extent. Others experience it to a lesser degree, but nearly all of us have an “anxious core.”
Jesus understood that worrying can be a consuming struggle. So He took the time to talk about it in one of His most famous sermons (Matthew 6:25-34). At one point He reasoned, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:27). The obvious answer is “Nope.”
He concluded, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34). In other words, don’t borrow trouble from tomorrow. You have plenty on your plate right here and now. Jesus also taught us not to worry about basic needs: “whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear” (Matthew 6:25). He pointed out that just as God cares for the birds and flowers, He has more than enough to provide for our daily provisions.
Most of all, Jesus encouraged His followers to “seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33).
We can rest in God and His saving and restoring influence at work in the world around us—trusting that our heavenly Father will provide for our needs (Matthew 6:30). Our worries are no match for His power and promises.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 11:20-33
More:
Read Psalm 55:22 and consider what God would have you do with your worries and fears.
Next:
What worries have been consuming you? Bring them to God today and leave them in His powerful, loving hands.
Gary Shultz on September 1, 2015 at 6:06 am
Well, you are right we all have an “anxious core” some more than others. Thankfully I think I’m one of the others, a large hole in the bottom of the boat will alert up some concern, but we all have our buttons that can be pushed. Again you are correct our worries are no match for God’s resources. We must be patient to see where and what He is doing, possibly not always getting the why…….. Worry, no faith / faith, no worry. Thanks
Gene on September 1, 2015 at 7:13 am
Recently I wrote down several of my big worries in my journal as a way to hand them over to God. I also shared with them with a good friend as a prayer request. I’ve done this before and it is good to look back after a time and see how God works in those areas. Some are still worries and continually need the application of these passages and Phil 4:6-7. Thanks, Jeff, for the topic today and the reminder of God’s love and care for us. G.
Mike Wittmer on September 1, 2015 at 8:46 am
Thank you for this wise and biblical counsel. Another reason to rely on God is realizing how vulnerable we all are. I realize this as I see the poor refugees streaming from Syria into Europe. These once well to do people have lost everything and have nowhere to go. Any one of us are one tragic event from that situation. Proverbs 23:5 says, “Cast but a glance at riches and they sprout wings and fly away.”
Jeff Olson on September 1, 2015 at 9:22 am
The flood of refugees from Syria into Europe is most tragic and heartbreaking.
Tom Felten on September 1, 2015 at 9:14 am
I’m reminded that, to paraphrase what Jesus said, to worry is to “borrow from tomorrow’s sorrow.” May we instead trust God with both today and our future with Him!
sevenx77 on September 1, 2015 at 9:59 am
I was once of those who made worrying a habit. I’m so thankful that God open my eyes and really send me a wake up call. Truly, worrying would only give us more than enough troubles and pains. Why should we worry then, when God has already given us the solution. Lift up all your worries to God! ^_^
Mathew 11:30
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”