Anxiety: the Thief of Peace
In our fast-paced, often chaotic world, anxiety seems to have taken up permanent residence in many hearts. We worry about our jobs, relationships, finances, health, and the future. The endless "what ifs" of life weigh heavily, robbing us of joy and rest. Yet, Jesus calls us to a different way—a life of peace rooted in trust. His words in Matthew 6:25-34 challenge us to confront our anxious thoughts and embrace the freedom He offers.
"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear." (Matthew 6:25)
With these words, Jesus addresses one of humanity’s greatest struggles: the fear of not having enough. From the beginning, we’ve been preoccupied with meeting our basic needs. Yet, Jesus reminds us that life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Our worth isn’t tied to our possessions or achievements but to the God who created and sustains us.
Anxiety deceives us into believing that we—not God—are in control. It whispers lies about our inadequacy and paints a bleak picture of the future. But Jesus invites us to shift our focus. "Look at the birds of the air," He says. They neither sow nor reap, yet God feeds them. If He cares so deeply for the birds, how much more will He care for you, His beloved child?
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" (Matthew 6:27)
Worry promises control but delivers only exhaustion. It drains our energy, clouds our judgment, and distorts our perspective. Jesus’ question here is both practical and profound: Has worrying ever truly solved a problem or extended your life? The answer is always no.
Instead of allowing anxiety to dominate our thoughts, Jesus calls us to trust in God's provision. He points to the flowers of the field, which are adorned with beauty beyond human craftsmanship. If God clothes the grass—here today and gone tomorrow—how much more will He care for you? The antidote to anxiety is trust, and trust grows when we remember who God is: a faithful, loving Father.
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
The key to overcoming anxiety is found in shifting our priorities. When we seek God’s kingdom first—aligning our lives with His purposes—our worries lose their grip. This doesn’t mean our challenges disappear, but it does mean we view them through the lens of faith. We trust that God’s plan is good, even when life feels uncertain.
Jesus concludes this passage with a powerful reminder: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34). Here, He invites us to live fully in the present, trusting God to handle the future. Anxiety thrives on projecting worst-case scenarios, but peace comes when we rest in God’s daily provision.
Living in God’s Peace
Anxiety is indeed the thief of peace, but it doesn’t have to rule our lives. Through the words of Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus shows us a better way. By trusting in God’s care, focusing on His kingdom, and living one day at a time, we can reclaim the peace that anxiety seeks to steal.
Let’s choose to anchor our hearts in the truth of God’s promises. He is our provider, sustainer, and protector. No matter what uncertainties we face, we can rest in the assurance that He is with us, guiding and caring for us every step of the way. Peace isn’t the absence of problems; it’s the presence of God.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
