Do Not Be Anxious

Dear beloved, today we are going to address a topic that is all too common in our lives – anxiety. In our fast-paced world, it seems that anxiety has become an unwelcome companion for many of us. But as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to trust in the Lord and not be anxious. Let’s turn to Scripture for guidance and encouragement but before that lets pray;

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts seeking peace and understanding. We ask for Your presence to calm our fears and anxieties, and to fill us with Your comfort and wisdom. Open our hearts and minds to Your Word, that we may find solace and guidance in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Our main passage today is from Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV):

“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? 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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

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. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In this passage, Jesus directly addresses our tendency to worry. He reminds us of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, pointing out that if God provides for them, He will surely provide for us. This teaching is a call to trust in God’s provision and care. Here are the key truth we can pick from the passage;

1. God’s Provision: Just as God provides for the birds and clothes the flowers, He promises to take care of our needs. This doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing, but it means we trust that as we do our part, God will do His.

2. Value and Worth: Jesus emphasizes our value to God. If He takes care of the lesser creatures, how much more will He take care of us, whom He loves deeply? Understanding our worth in God’s eyes can help alleviate our anxieties.

3. The Futility of Worry: Worrying does not add a single hour to our lives; in fact, it can detract from our quality of life. Jesus encourages us to focus on the present and trust God with our future.

How do we Combat Anxiety?

While understanding these truths is essential, we also need practical steps to apply them in our daily lives.

1. Prayer and Supplication: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Make it a habit to bring your concerns to God in prayer.

2. Meditate on Scripture: Meditating on God’s Word can transform our minds. Verses like Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you,” can offer great comfort and reassurance.

3. Community Support: We are not meant to bear our burdens alone. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “carry each other’s burdens.” Share your anxieties with trusted friends or a church community, and pray for one another.

4. Mindfulness and Presence: Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow.” Focus on today and trust God for each moment. Practicing mindfulness can help keep us grounded in the present.

Let us therefore, remember that Jesus calls us to a life free from anxiety. By trusting in God’s provision, recognizing our worth in His eyes, and taking practical steps to lean on Him and our community, we can combat the anxiety that seeks to overwhelm us. The Word of God reassures us of His love and care. Let us trust in Him more deeply and cast our anxieties on Him. He will fill us with His peace that surpasses all understanding. He will guide us each day if we seek His kingdom first, knowing that He will take care of all our needs.