Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Matthew 6:25

Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about the natural things a person would worry about, like food and clothes. He points out that life is what they should be concerned with, and more specifically, life in Him. He goes on to point out that the birds of the air do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet God feeds them. He tells them not to worry, because worrying doesn’t add a single hour to life. The reverse of this would be that worry takes away the very life that God intended for us; it steals our joy, our hope, and our zeal for life. Jesus told the disciples to spend their time seeking Him who gives life, and He, in turn, would give them all that they needed.

Jesus told the parable of the sower – how the farmer scattered seeds that fell on the path and the birds ate it up. Some of the seeds fell on rocky places, and without much soil, they withered; others fell among thorns and were choked out. Some seed fell on good soil and produced a bountiful crop. Jesus explained that the one who received the seed (God’s Word) that fell among thorns was unfruitful because the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choked it out. (Matthew 13) Worrying will choke out God’s Word in our life, and it is His Word that brings us life.

What are you anxious about? Paul tells the Philippians not to be anxious but to rejoice in all things, praying and seeking God, saying, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

The next time you begin to worry or feel anxious, remember to pray and seek God; rejoice and thank Him. His peace, which is incomprehensible in the midst of anxiety-filled times, will fill your heart.

Heavenly Father,

I pray that You will remove all anxiety from my heart. I lay my burdens down at the foot of the cross and thank you for Your peace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen