What does the Bible say about worrying about life?
Understanding the nature of worry
Worry is very normal. Human beings are worrying people. It’s actually ok. While there is a sort of healthy sense of worry or concern about life and things, most often, worry is not helpful.
We can think of worry as a misuse of our imagination. When we’re thinking about things and ruminating over them, going over and over things that may or may not happen—worry is exploring what could happen without any real evidence that it actually will.
Jesus actually talks about worry and anxiety, and he tells us in Matthew 6 not to worry about tomorrow. Here’s the exact quote from verse 34.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
It’s interesting that most of our worrying is connected to tomorrow—things that will happen or may happen. But Jesus says don’t worry about tomorrow. He makes it sound so easy. Like have you tried just not worrying? He says instead to worry about today.
Focusing on the present
Worrying and thinking about tomorrow takes our attention away from the things we’re supposed to do today. That’s what makes it so dangerous and damaging—we don’t actually end up owning the moment today, which ironically makes tomorrow worse.
There is a simple fix though. (Things that are simple are not always easy). The way we can fix worry is essentially by coming back to a place where we trust in God. We have to believe in our heart that God is actually in control, and when we align our thinking with that truth, we’re going to start to feel peace in our hearts.
Trust God is in control
If we don’t believe that God is in control, or we don’t believe that he cares or is able, then of course we’re going to worry. There are so many things that can go wrong. Life is full of uncertainties, but finding peace is about letting go of the need to control everything ourselves.
By trusting in God’s goodness, we can shift our mindset from one of fear to one of faith.
David makes this declaration in Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
Take some time to remind yourself of who God is. He is good and he cares for you.
Embracing peace through faith
Instead of letting our minds run wild with what-ifs, focusing on today allows us to handle what’s in front of us. Each day has its own challenges, and by concentrating on the present, we give ourselves the best chance to live fully and intentionally.
Not only will this reduce anxiety but it will also strengthen our relationship with God too.
Let's talk about procrastination
The truth is that sometimes the reason we default to worrying about tomorrow is because we are in fact trying to avoid today’s struggle. No one likes difficulty or pain but one of the best ways we can overcome is by tackling it head on. Here’s what the author of Hebrews says in Hebrews 12:11:
11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
We’re cheering you on.