What Does Jesus Say About Worrying?

Jesus addresses worry in Matthew 6:25-34 during the Sermon on the Mount, urging us not to be consumed by anxiety about basic needs like food and clothing. He highlights God’s provision for birds and flowers, reminding us of our greater value. Jesus emphasizes the futility of worrying, encouraging us to focus on today and seek God’s kingdom first. By trusting in God’s care and living in the present, we can find peace amidst life’s uncertainties. Keep reading for a more in-depth cover.

Worrying is a part of life.

Whether it’s about finances, relationships, health, or the future, we’ve all felt the heavy burden of anxiety.

But have you ever stopped to think about what Jesus says about worrying?

His teachings provide timeless wisdom and comfort, offering us a way to navigate our concerns with faith and trust.

Let’s dive into Jesus’ perspective on worrying and discover how we can apply his guidance to our lives.

The Sermon on the Mount: Jesus’ Direct Address on Worry

One of the most profound teachings on worry comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus directly addresses the issue of anxiety. Here’s a breakdown of his message:

Do Not Worry About Your Life (Matthew 6:25)

“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 than food, and the body more than clothes?”
Jesus starts by highlighting the essentials—food, drink, and clothing—urging us not to be consumed by these concerns. He’s not dismissing our needs but encouraging us to look beyond them.

Look at the Birds of the Air (Matthew 6:26)

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
- Jesus uses birds to illustrate God’s provision. If He cares for these small creatures, how much more will He care for us?

Can Any One of You by Worrying Add a Single Hour to Your Life? (Matthew 6:27)

This rhetorical question underscores the futility of worry. It doesn’t add value to our lives but instead drains us of peace and joy.

Consider the Lilies of the Field (Matthew 6:28-30)

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
- By pointing to the lilies, Jesus reminds us of God’s extravagant care for His creation. If He clothes the grass of the field, will He not much more clothe us?

Seek First His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Jesus redirects our focus from our worries to God’s kingdom. By prioritizing our relationship with God and His righteousness, we align our lives with His provision and care.

Do Not Worry About Tomorrow (Matthew 6:34)

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
- Jesus advises us to live in the present, dealing with today’s challenges rather than being overwhelmed by future uncertainties.

Practical Steps to Apply Jesus’ Teachings on Worry

Understanding Jesus’ teachings is one thing, but applying them to our daily lives can be challenging.

Here are some practical steps to help you live out his advice on worrying:

1. Trust in God’s Provision

Reflect on Nature: Take a moment to observe how nature operates without anxiety.

The birds and flowers Jesus mentioned are excellent reminders of God’s provision.

Count Your Blessings: Regularly list things you’re grateful for.

This practice can shift your focus from what you lack to what you already have.

2. Focus on Today

Mindfulness: Engage in activities that help you stay present. Whether it’s through meditation, prayer, or simply focusing on your breathing, staying in the moment can reduce anxiety about the future.
Daily Goals: Set small, achievable goals for each day.

This keeps your mind occupied with the present rather than worrying about what’s to come.

3. Seek God’s Kingdom First

Prioritize Prayer and Devotion: Start your day with prayer or scripture reading.

This aligns your thoughts with God’s purposes and can reduce worry.

Serve Others: Involve yourself in acts of service.

Helping others can take your mind off your worries and give you a sense of purpose.

4. Trust in God’s Timing

Let Go of Control: Recognize that not everything is within your control.

Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match your expectations.

Pray for Peace: When worry strikes, pray for peace and the ability to trust in God’s plan for your life.

Biblical Stories That Illustrate Trust Over Worry

The Bible is filled with stories that illustrate how trusting in God can overcome worry.

Here are a couple of examples:

1. The Story of Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17:8-16)

Elijah encounters a widow during a famine who only has a handful of flour and a little oil left.

Despite her worry about feeding her son and herself, she trusts Elijah’s word from God.

As a result, her jar of flour and jug of oil never run dry throughout the famine.

2. Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)

During a violent storm, the disciples are filled with fear while Jesus is asleep.

They wake Him, and with a command, He calms the storm.

Jesus then asks, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

This story underscores the peace that comes from trusting Jesus, even in life’s storms.

Conclusion: Embracing Peace Over Worry

Jesus’ teachings on worry aren’t just ancient wisdom; they’re practical guidelines for finding peace in today’s chaotic world.

By trusting in God’s provision, focusing on today, seeking His kingdom, and relying on His timing, we can navigate our worries with grace and faith.

Remember, Jesus doesn’t promise a life free of trouble, but He does offer us a way to handle our anxieties.

As you reflect on His words, let go of your worries and embrace the peace He offers.

In the end, worrying about tomorrow doesn’t change its outcome, but trusting in Jesus can change our perspective on today.

So, take a deep breath, and let Jesus’ words guide you to a place of calm and confidence.

FAQs: What Does Jesus Say About Worrying?

1. What are the key teachings of Jesus about worrying?

Jesus’ key teachings about worrying can be found in Matthew 6:25-34, where He addresses the following points:

Don’t worry about basic needs: Life is more than food and clothing.
Trust in God’s provision: Just as God cares for the birds and flowers, He will care for us.
Focus on today: Worrying about tomorrow only adds to today’s troubles.
Seek God’s kingdom first: Prioritize your relationship with God, and He’ll provide for your needs.

2. How does Jesus’ advice on worrying apply to modern life?

Jesus’ advice is timeless and very applicable today.

In our fast-paced world, we often worry about various aspects of our lives. By:

Trusting in God’s provision, we can reduce anxiety about our material needs.
Focusing on the present, we avoid being overwhelmed by future uncertainties.
Seeking God’s kingdom first, we align our lives with higher purposes, which brings peace.

3. Why does Jesus use examples like birds and flowers in His teachings on worry?

Jesus uses birds and flowers to illustrate God’s care and provision in a simple and relatable way:

Birds: They don’t store food, yet God feeds them, showing His daily provision.
Flowers: They don’t labor or spin, yet they’re beautifully clothed, highlighting God’s attention to even the smallest details of His creation.

These examples help us understand that if God cares for the lesser creatures, He will certainly care for us.

4. How can I stop worrying according to Jesus’ teachings?

To stop worrying, you can:

Trust in God’s provision: Believe that God knows your needs and will provide.
Focus on today: Handle today’s issues without being burdened by future uncertainties.
Seek God’s kingdom first: Prioritize your spiritual life and trust that God will handle the rest.
Pray and meditate: Regularly communicate with God to find peace and guidance.

5. What does “seek first His kingdom” mean in practical terms?

“Seeking first His kingdom” means:

Prioritizing your relationship with God: Spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, and attending church.
Living out God’s principles: Apply the teachings of Jesus in your daily life by showing love, kindness, and forgiveness.
Focusing on spiritual growth: Invest in understanding and growing your faith rather than being consumed by material concerns.

6. How can the story of Elijah and the widow help us understand Jesus’ teaching on worry?

The story of Elijah and the widow (1 Kings 17:8-16) illustrates how trusting in God’s word can relieve worry:

Despite her dire situation, the widow follows Elijah’s instruction to use her last resources to make food for him.
God miraculously provides for her needs throughout the famine, showing that trust in God brings provision and eliminates worry.

This story reinforces the idea that God is aware of our needs and will provide if we trust in Him.

7. What does the Bible say about the futility of worrying?

The Bible, specifically in Matthew 6:27, highlights the futility of worrying:

Jesus asks, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
This rhetorical question emphasizes that worrying doesn’t change outcomes or add value to our lives. Instead, it distracts and diminishes our peace.

8. How can prayer help in reducing worry?

Prayer can help reduce worry by:

Connecting you with God: It provides a direct line to share your concerns with the One who can help.
Providing peace: Prayer often brings a sense of calm and reassurance, reminding you of God’s presence and care.
Aligning your focus: It shifts your focus from problems to God’s promises and provision.

9. What are some practical steps to live without worry, as Jesus taught?

To live without worry, consider these steps:

Trust in God’s provision: Remind yourself that God knows your needs and cares for you.
Focus on today: Deal with today’s issues rather than getting overwhelmed by future uncertainties.
Seek God’s kingdom: Prioritize spiritual growth and align your life with God’s purposes.
Practice gratitude: Regularly reflect on and thank God for His blessings in your life.

10. What should I do when I find myself worrying too much?

When you find yourself worrying too much:

Pray: Turn your concerns over to God in prayer.
Read the Bible: Find comfort and guidance in scripture, especially passages that speak about God’s care and provision.
Practice mindfulness: Stay present and focus on what you can control today.
Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or a spiritual advisor who can offer encouragement and perspective.

By applying Jesus’ teachings and these practical steps, you can begin to overcome worry and find peace in your daily life.

What Does Jesus Say About Worrying?

The Sermon on the Mount: Jesus’ Direct Address on Worry

Do Not Worry About Your Life (Matthew 6:25)

Look at the Birds of the Air (Matthew 6:26)

Can Any One of You by Worrying Add a Single Hour to Your Life? (Matthew 6:27)