Don’t Worry (um, ok?)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us not to worry. He says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” (Matthew 6:25) While this is challenging and difficult instruction to follow in our daily lives, it is one that can have profound implications for our spiritual health and well-being. Let’s take a closer look at how we can apply Jesus’ teaching about worrying to our daily lives.

[Please note: if you have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, please chat with your pastor about how to understand this passage better. This blog is for folks who do NOT struggle with anxiety because of a diagnosis.]

The Nature of Worry

Worrying is part of human nature; it often arises from fear and insecurity. But Jesus’ instruction is clear – we should not worry because God will provide for all our needs. He encourages us to trust in Him and His power instead of relying on anxious thoughts. When we focus on seeking God’s Kingdom first and trusting in His perfect plan for us, then we can live with peace instead of anxiety.

Living Without Fear

When we are freed from worrying, we are also freed from fear. We no longer need to be afraid that something bad might happen or that something won’t turn out as expected. We can rest assured knowing that God has everything under control, and He will work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). This means that even when things seem uncertain or out of control, we can have confidence in God’s promises and His faithfulness to provide for us in all circumstances.

God’s Provision

When we choose to trust God instead of worrying, we open ourselves up to receiving His provision in ways that would otherwise be impossible if were filled with fear and anxiety. Instead of spending our energy focusing on worries, we can direct it towards seeking God’s will for our lives and living according to His purpose for us each day. In doing so, we lay a foundation for abundant life (John 10:10) as well as a greater reliance upon God’s perfect plan for us than ever before.

Great concepts, but how?

Focus on the Present Moment

When worrying starts creeping into our thoughts and emotions, it can be helpful to bring our focus back to the present moment. This can help us gain perspective and remind us that we are not alone in whatever situation is causing us anxiety. We can use prayer as a tool for calming our minds and shifting our attention away from worrying about what could happen or what has already happened. When we focus on God’s presence with us in the present moment, it helps us put things into perspective and see that He is sovereign over all situations.

Recognize Your Tendency Towards Worry

We all have different tendencies when it comes to worrying—some people find themselves more prone to anxiety than others. It is important for us to recognize our tendency towards worry and develop strategies for overcoming this tendency so that we can live out Jesus’ instruction concerning worry from the Sermon on the Mount more effectively. One way of doing this is by breaking down tasks into smaller components so that they seem less overwhelming or intimidating. Additionally, it can be beneficial to set limits around how much time you spend thinking about potential problems or concerns each day; this will help you stay focused and stay productive instead of letting worries take over your life.

Take Time for Self-Care

Self-care is essential for managing stress levels and avoiding unnecessary worrying about potential issues or concerns. Taking time out of your day for self-care activities such as reading a book, taking a walk outside, meditating, or journaling can help you refocus your energy away from worrying and towards healthy activities that bring joy into your life instead of fear or anxiety. Additionally, physical activity such as exercise can also help reduce stress levels while improving mental clarity and concentration which can be beneficial if you feel like you are struggling with anxious thoughts or feelings more often than usual lately.

Jesus’ instruction on worry in the Sermon on the Mount offers an incredible opportunity for growth and transformation if applied properly into our lives today. By understanding the nature of worry — its source and effects —we can learn how to overcome it by trusting in God’s promise of provision – both spiritually and physically – above all else. Through this practice we become more aware of God’s presence working within us so that each day can be lived with courage instead of fear; free from worry over tomorrow’s unknowns but full confidence in His perfect plan for us today!

For more, join us for the study on the Sermon on the Mount!