Jesus’ command to “not be anxious about tomorrow” in Matthew 6:34 isn’t about ignoring responsibility—it’s about refusing to let fear of the future control your life. He’s inviting you to shift your focus from worry to trust, reminding you that God already knows your needs and is fully capable of providing. When you spend your energy worrying about what hasn’t happened yet, you rob yourself of peace and productivity today.
Instead of living in “what ifs,” Jesus calls you to live fully in the present, handle today’s challenges, and trust God with what’s ahead. This mindset isn’t about passivity; it’s about faith in action—praying instead of panicking, seeking God first, and replacing anxiety with truth. Keep reading to get a deeper, practical look at how to live this out in everyday life.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” and wondered—what exactly did Jesus mean by that? Is He saying don’t plan ahead? Or that worry is a sin? Let’s break it down simply, clearly, and directly. We’ll explore the verse in context, what it really means, and how to apply it to your everyday life.
Where the Phrase Comes From
This quote comes straight from Jesus during His Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 6:34 (ESV):
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
That verse comes at the end of a larger section where Jesus is talking about worry, money, trust in God, and priorities. To understand it fully, we need to look at the whole context.
The Bigger Picture: Matthew 6:25–34
In these verses, Jesus tells people not to worry about things like:
- What they’ll eat or drink
- What they’ll wear
- Their life and future
Let’s look at Matthew 6:25–26 (ESV):
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life… Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”
He’s not saying food, clothes, and planning don’t matter. He’s saying that God knows your needs—and worrying won’t help.
So What Does “Do Not Be Anxious About Tomorrow” Actually Mean?
Here’s the short version:
👉 Jesus is telling you not to live in tomorrow’s fears. Focus on what you can handle today.
He’s not anti-planning. He’s anti-worry. Let’s go deeper.
1. Tomorrow Isn’t Promised
Jesus knows that life is uncertain. You don’t know what’s going to happen next week, let alone tomorrow. That’s not to scare you—it’s to help you live fully in the present.
James 4:14 puts it this way:
“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
You can plan wisely, but don’t get so wrapped up in “what ifs” that you miss what God’s doing today.
2. Worry Adds Nothing
In Matthew 6:27, Jesus asks:
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
Think about it: when has worrying ever fixed a problem? It doesn’t help you solve things—it just steals your peace.
Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.
3. You’re Not in Control—But God Is
This is the core of it all. Worry is often your attempt to control what you can’t. Jesus reminds you: God is in control, and He cares about your needs.
Look at Matthew 6:32–33 (ESV):
“…your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
He’s not just saying “don’t worry”—He’s saying trust God instead.
What “Do Not Be Anxious” Doesn’t Mean
Let’s clear up some confusion. Jesus is not saying:
- Don’t make plans (Proverbs 21:5 praises good planning).
- Don’t care about responsibilities.
- That it’s wrong to feel concern or sadness.
He’s talking about chronic, fear-driven anxiety—the kind that consumes your mind, drains your energy, and distracts you from God.
How to Actually Stop Worrying About Tomorrow
You might be thinking, “Sounds great, but how do I actually do this?”
Here are some practical steps based on Scripture:
1. Focus on Today’s Tasks
Break it down: just deal with today. Jesus says, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
Try this:
- Write down what you can realistically do today
- Let go of things you can’t control yet
- Refuse to borrow problems from the future
2. Replace Worry with Prayer
Instead of worrying, talk to God. Philippians 4:6–7 says:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…”
God wants your honesty. Tell Him your fears. Then trust Him with the outcome.
3. Fill Your Mind with God’s Promises
Your thoughts fuel your fears. Combat anxiety with truth.
Here are some key verses to hold onto:
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you… I will help you.”
- 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
- Romans 8:28 – “God works all things together for good…”
4. Seek God’s Kingdom First
Jesus said this clearly: “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
What does that mean?
- Put your relationship with God above everything
- Obey Him, even when it’s hard
- Trust Him more than you trust your own plans
When your priority is walking with God, everything else starts to settle into place.
Real-Life Example: Jesus in the Garden
Jesus Himself modeled this mindset. Before the cross, He prayed in deep anguish. He didn’t ignore the pain or pretend it wasn’t hard.
But He trusted the Father.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
Even when facing suffering, He didn’t let tomorrow’s fear stop Him from obeying today.
Final Thoughts
Here’s what Jesus really means by “Do not be anxious about tomorrow”:
✅ Don’t let fear control you
✅ Trust that God knows and provides
✅ Focus on what’s in front of you
✅ Let go of what you can’t control
You’re not alone in your anxiety—but you’re not stuck in it either. Jesus offers you a better way: a life of peace, trust, and present focus.
You may still feel nervous sometimes. That’s human. But Jesus isn’t just telling you not to worry—He’s inviting you into a deeper life of trust in God’s care.
Quick Recap
- Jesus said “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” in Matthew 6:34.
- He meant: stop stressing over the future—trust God and focus on today.
- Worry adds nothing to your life.
- Planning is wise; fear-based obsession isn’t.
- Replace worry with prayer, trust, and seeking God’s kingdom.
One Last Question for You
What would your day look like if you truly believed God’s got tomorrow under control?
That’s the challenge Jesus is offering—and the peace He’s promising.
🔹 10 FAQs About What Does Jesus Mean by “Do Not Be Anxious About Tomorrow?”
1. What does Jesus mean by “Do not be anxious about tomorrow”?
Jesus means that you shouldn’t live in fear of what’s ahead. Instead, focus on today and trust that God will take care of tomorrow. Worrying about the future doesn’t help—it only distracts and drains you.
2. Where does Jesus say “Do not be anxious about tomorrow”?
It’s found in Matthew 6:34, part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The full verse reads: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
3. Is Jesus saying not to plan ahead?
No. Planning is wise (see Proverbs 21:5). Jesus isn’t against preparation—He’s warning against anxiety, fear, and trying to control things that are outside your reach.
4. Is it wrong to feel anxious?
Feeling anxiety isn’t a sin, but letting it take over your life and control your decisions can pull you away from trusting God. Jesus invites you to bring your fears to Him and trust His care.
5. How can I stop worrying about the future?
Start by focusing on what’s in front of you today. Pray, seek God first, and meditate on Scripture that reminds you of His promises and power. Replace worry with faith-filled actions.
6. What’s the difference between concern and anxiety?
Concern is focused and constructive—it helps you take wise action. Anxiety is fear-driven, often irrational, and leads to paralysis or stress. Jesus warns against the latter.
7. Why did Jesus talk so much about worry?
Because it’s a universal struggle. Jesus knew that anxiety can choke your faith, cloud your thinking, and keep you from fully living the life God intends for you.
8. How does Matthew 6:33 relate to this teaching?
Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” It’s the key to overcoming anxiety—focus on God’s priorities, and trust Him to handle the rest.
9. Does this mean I should ignore problems?
Not at all. Jesus encourages wise action, not denial. He’s calling you to deal with today’s challenges while leaving tomorrow’s unknowns in God’s hands.
10. What’s the main takeaway from “Do not be anxious about tomorrow”?
Live in the moment God has given you. Don’t waste today by fearing the future. Trust God’s provision, deal with what you can today, and leave the rest to Him.
