But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV

To be anxious or worried means to think about your problems or fears and that something bad might happen. You might worry if you forgot to do your homework and it’s due tomorrow. You might worry about getting a new teacher. What are some of the things you worry about? Talk with your parents about your worries. And ask them what they worry about.

In our first verse, we are back with Jesus in the sermon on the mount. (Remember We Are Not to Judge Others?) Jesus has some more great advice for us. He is telling His disciples and us, “do not be anxious,” do not worry about tomorrow. Before this verse, Jesus says that God feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the valley and that God will also take care of us.

Most of us worry or are anxious sometimes. In our second verse the apostle Paul gives us advice on how we can handle our worries and anxiety. He says we can take everything to the Lord in prayer. Instead of sitting and worrying and getting more and more upset…stop. And share you worries and problems and fears with Jesus. Thank Him for all He has already done for you. Ask Jesus to take your worries and give you peace.

But after you give your worries to Jesus, don’t pick them back up and worry more, leave them at His feet. And have faith and trust that He will care for you. This can be hard to do, and you will have to practice. Sometimes those worry thoughts just pop back into your mind. And you will have to take them again to Jesus and give them to Him. The less you worry the more time you can spend loving your family and being happy in the Lord.

This week when worry or fear comes, talk to your parents, and together you can go to Jesus and share your worries and leave them with Him. Trust that He will care for you and give you peace. Maybe it can become part of your bedtime prayers so you will sleep peacefully without fear or worry.

Blessings and peace as you give your worries to Jesus!