Worry is primarily a matter of control. It’s an attempt to manage the uncontrollable.

We can’t control the economy; therefore, we worry about it. We can’t control our children; consequently, we worry about them. We have no control over the future, so we worry about it. Worry never solves a problem! It’s like simmering without doing anything.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents four reasons why you shouldn’t be worried.

Worry is unreasonable. Matthew 6:25 says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Jesus is saying, don’t worry about it because it isn’t going to last. In fact, it’s pointless to worry about something you can change. Or, it’s pointless to worry about something you can’t change. Therefore, it’s pointless to worry in any case.

Worry is unnatural. Jesus gives us an example from nature in Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Human beings are the only creation of God’s creations that worries. We are the only creation God has created that doesn’t completely trust Him, and the Lord is letting us know that it is unnatural.

Worry is unhelpful. It doesn’t change anything. Matthew 6:27 says, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Worrying about an issue doesn’t get you closer to finding a solution. It’s like rocking in a chair – there’s a lot of movement, energy, and motion, but no advancement. Worry has no effect on anything but you. It makes you unhappy!

Worry is unnecessary. Matthew 6:30 says, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” You don’t have to be concerned if you have faith in God. Why? Because God pledged to look after all of your needs: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Does that include your bills? Yes. Does that include conflicts? Yes. Does that include your aspirations, goals, and dreams? Yes. Does that include the health difficulties you’re unsure how to handle? Yes. In Christ, God will provide for all of your needs.

Don’t worry about it!