Introduction

We all face worry. Whether it's about finances, health, relationships, or the future, the weight of uncertainty can press heavily on our hearts.

My wife and I are aware of the challenges that can cause people to worry. We had cause to worry when our son was going through a rebellious youth and when Jennifer had breast cancer. Every time I am between consulting projects, and no revenue is coming into my business, it can tempt us to worry. But worry has never been as effective as prayer.

Fast forward to the present, our son is walking with the Lord, Jennifer is free from cancer, and God has faithfully carried me through more than two decades of consulting work. The fears that once kept us up at night never came to pass. God provided—not just enough, but abundantly. The only lasting effect of our past worry is a few gray hairs and a deeper faith.

Worrying is a state of unease or excessive concern about potential problems or outcomes. It shifts your focus away from the present and keeps your mind preoccupied with what might happen.

Excessive worrying causes your mind to go into overdrive as you constantly focus on “what might happen.” According to the WebMD website, “Chronic worrying can affect your daily life so much that it may interfere with your appetite, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep, and job performance. Many people who worry excessively are so anxiety-ridden that they seek relief in harmful lifestyle habits such as overeating, cigarette smoking, or using alcohol and drugs.

Worrying leads to stress, and stress has been linked to several health problems. People who suffer from high levels of stress can be more prone to cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, weight problems, and even certain cancers. These medical conditions can compromise the quality of life and potentially shorten your lifespan."

Jesus addressed worry with his disciples. Listen closely to how Jesus might speak to us today about worry.

Jesus Speaks

My beloved, I see the pressures you face today. The news can be overwhelming. Wars rage, economies shake, natural disasters strike, and technology spreads fear faster than peace. Families are divided, jobs are uncertain, and your hearts grow weary with questions about what tomorrow might bring. But I am the same today as I was in the past. I will be the same forever. Even in these troubled times, the words I spoke long ago are meant to still your heart and lift your eyes toward Heaven.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. So, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27 NIV)." "In this world, you will face trouble, but take heart—I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NIV)."

Therefore, "do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is 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. Aren't you much more valuable than they (Matthew 6:25-26)?"

I say these things not to ignore the reality of your struggles, but to remind you of this greater truth: your Father in Heaven sees you, knows you, and promises to care for you.

When you begin to feel anxious, turn to Me. Talk to Me. Bring every concern to your Father in prayer with thanksgiving. And My peace, the kind that goes beyond understanding, will guard your heart and your mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

Remember the many promises of My Father and yours. He said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)". He provides for the lilies of the field and the sparrows that fall. If He will provide for them, how much more will He provide for you, His beloved child (Matthew 6:28-33 and Matthew 10:29-31)?

So rest easy and do not worry like the rest of the world. I am with you always, even to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Let My presence be your peace and My promises be your anchor.

Forever your Savior and Lord,

Jesus

Examples of how to Live Without Worry

Following the commandment of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-26 to eliminate worry from your life can seem impossible. Here are some practical examples of how you can apply this teaching in your daily life:

• Turn Worry into Prayer: When anxiety creeps in, pause and take your concerns to Jesus. Prayer is not intended to be your last resort. It’s meant to be your first step toward peace. Don’t just confine your worries to your mind. Speak them audibly to Jesus and leave them with him. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and guide you through them.

• Limit Your Intake of Fear-Fueled Media: Stay informed, but don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the news. The world’s 24/7 news cycle thrives on negative news because people are more drawn to it. Negative news triggers a stronger physiological response and can be more compelling than positive news. Exchange some of the time you spend on media-intake with consuming God's Word through scripture and faith-based teaching.

• Speak God's Promises: God's Word is powerful. Recite Scriptures like Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25-34, and Psalm 23 when worry tries to take over. Let God's truth drown out the noise of fear.

• Practice Daily Gratitude: Each morning or evening, write down three things you’re grateful for and give thanks to God. Gratitude shifts your focus from what is uncertain to what is already a blessing.

• Live One Day at a Time: Several scripture verses, like Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 21:5, and Luke 14:28 validate that planning for the future is prudent. Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself (Matthew 6:34)." Trust God to give you strength for today. When you live in the present, you leave room to experience peace and planning guided by the Holy Spirit.

• Get Rest and Care for Your Body: Your physical well-being affects your mental peace. Rest, exercise, eat well, and create space for solitude with God.

• Surround Yourself with Believers Who Build Up Your Faith: Community matters. When you share your worries with trusted brothers and sisters, you invite encouragement, accountability, and perspective rooted in God's love.

• Keep a Record of God’s Faithfulness: Write down the times God came through for you. Track answered prayers, unexpected provision, moments of peace that carried you through a challenging situation. Review them often. When worry creeps in, remembering God's past faithfulness will remind you that He works all things together for the good of those who love HIm and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

• Trust in the God's plans for you: God's plans are to prosper you and not to harm you. He plans to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

These choices aren’t always easy, but they are powerful. As you practice them, you train your mind and spirit to lean into God's peace and not the panic of this world. Every time a worry rises up, let it become your signal to pray. Replace fear with faith. Speak God's promises out loud. Write them on your mirror, memorize them, carry them in your heart. Lean on community and let others remind you of the truth when it's hard to see.You are not alone—Jesus is with you, and delights in lifting your burdens.

Kingdom benefits of living without worry

When you obey Jesus' command not to worry, you do more than ease your own stress—you align your life with the rhythms of Heaven. Here are some Kingdom benefits of living free from worry.

• Deeper Trust in God: Letting go of worry deepens your dependence on God. As you trust Him more, you become more sensitive to His Spirit and more confident in His leading.

• Increased Peace and Joy: Worry chokes joy and steals peace. But when you release your anxiety to God, you create space for joy and peace that surpass understanding (Philippians 4:7).

• Strengthened Witness: A calm and steady heart in the face of adversity is a powerful testimony to those around you. When others see your peace, they’re drawn to the Source of your strength. Jesus is your Source.

• Freedom to Love More Fully: When your mind isn’t consumed with worry, you’re more available to love others, serve generously, and engage fully in your relationships and calling.

• Greater Spiritual Clarity: Worry clouds your thinking, but peace brings clarity. As you trust God more, your ability to discern His will grows clearer, and your steps become more purposeful.

• Protection Against Burnout: Living without worry helps guard your emotional, mental, and spiritual reserves. It keeps you from being drained by fear and instead fills you with strength for each day.

• Eternal Perspective: When you choose peace over panic, you’re training your heart to value what lasts forever. This helps you live with Heaven in mind, storing up treasures that cannot be shaken.

Living without worry is not just about comfort—it’s about Kingdom alignment. When you release your cares to Me, you are not losing control; you are placing your life into the hands of the One who holds all things together.

Examine yourself

Here are some questions to help you examine how worry may be affecting your life and your faith. Answer them honestly and prayerfully. Growth often begins with awareness.

• When something unexpected happens, is your first instinct to worry or to pray?

• Are there specific areas of your life where worry regularly takes hold (finances, health, relationships)? How could you be proactive in these areas so you aren't tempted to worry?

• What are some fears that keep recurring in your thoughts? Where might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply and cast all you cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)?

• How often do you reflect on God's past faithfulness in your life? Would keeping a journal help?

• In what ways does worry impact your relationships or your ability to serve others?

• Do you find yourself trying to control outcomes that are ultimately under God’s control?

• What lies or assumptions feed your worry, and what truths from Scripture can replace them?

• How does your view of God’s character influence your level of trust when life feels uncertain?

• Who can you talk to when you're feeling overwhelmed by worry? Are you open to receiving encouragement or accountability?

• What small step could you take this week to shift from worry to worship?

• How would your day change if you truly believed God is actively taking care of you?

• What promise from God's Word can you hold onto today?