Jesus said that worry is sinful. We may dignify worry by calling it by some other name—concern, burden, a cross to bear—but the results are still the same. Instead of helping us live longer, anxiety only makes life shorter.

“Take no thought for your life” (Matthew 6:25). The Greek words translated “take no thought” literally mean “do not be drawn in different directions.” Worry pulls us apart. Until man interferes, everything in nature works together, because all of nature trusts God. Man, however, is pulled apart because he tries to live his own life by depending on material wealth.

God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies. He will feed and clothe us. It is our “little faith” that hinders Him from working as He would. He has great blessings for us if only we will yield to Him and live for the riches that last forever.

Worrying about tomorrow does not help either tomorrow or today. If anything, it robs us of our effectiveness today—which means we will be even less effective tomorrow. Someone has said that the average person is crucifying himself between two thieves:
the regrets of yesterday and the worries about tomorrow. It is right to plan for the future, but it is a sin to worry about the future and permit tomorrow to rob today of its blessings.

If we have faith in our Father and put Him first, He will meet our needs.

Verse to act on: “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 your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).

Other Scripture: Psalm 37:5; 55:22; Matthew 6:25-34; 1 Peter 5:6-7.

Action assignment: Have a dialogue with a friend or a member of your family about worry. Tell what you have learned from this page. Perhaps end the discussion with prayer, with both of you committing your worries to the Lord.