Worry Less: Lessons from Birds and Flowers
We all worry. It's part of being human. We worry about bills, job security, our children, and our health. But too much worry steals our peace and pulls us away from God.
In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses worry directly. He doesn't give simplistic answers or dismiss our concerns. Instead, he points us to deep truths about God's character and care.
Jesus gives three key lessons:
"Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Jesus asks. He reminds us that we're divinely created beings, made for more than just survival. God breathed life into us and is intimately involved in our existence.
Birds don't sow, reap, or store in barns. Yet God feeds them. Jesus asks, "Are you not much more valuable than they?" Birds simply trust God will provide what they need each day. They do their part—seeking food—but they don't try to do God's part of ultimate provision.
Wildflowers don't labor or spin, yet they're clothed more beautifully than Solomon in all his splendor. If God clothes temporary grass so gloriously, how much more will he clothe you?
Jesus isn't saying, "Never have cares or concerns." Emotions are part of how God designed us. The problem is when those cares grow unchecked into constant worry that robs us of peace.
Worry often stems from trying to control things only God can control. It reveals we're seeking security in something other than God himself. But no amount of worrying can add a single hour to our lives.
So how do we actually worry less? Three key practices:
We must go beyond surface-level engagement with God. Truly absorb who he is—take in his goodness, power, and care for us. This takes intentional time and focus.
Don't ignore or suppress your concerns. Bring them honestly before God. Pour out your heart. But don't just drop them and run. Engage with God. Let the Holy Spirit counsel you through your worries.
Ask yourself:
Don't get stuck ruminating on worries. Choose to trust that God will give you what you need for each day. You don't have tomorrow's strength yet—just today's. A mustard seed of faith is enough to keep going.
Over time, as we continually soak in God's character, bring him our cares, and keep stepping forward in faith, we gradually become people who worry less.
This isn't easy. It's countercultural. But it's possible through persistent faith and obedience.
In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses worry directly. He doesn't give simplistic answers or dismiss our concerns. Instead, he points us to deep truths about God's character and care.
Jesus gives three key lessons:
1. Your life is more than material concerns.
"Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Jesus asks. He reminds us that we're divinely created beings, made for more than just survival. God breathed life into us and is intimately involved in our existence.
2. Look at the birds.
Birds don't sow, reap, or store in barns. Yet God feeds them. Jesus asks, "Are you not much more valuable than they?" Birds simply trust God will provide what they need each day. They do their part—seeking food—but they don't try to do God's part of ultimate provision.
3. Consider the flowers.
Wildflowers don't labor or spin, yet they're clothed more beautifully than Solomon in all his splendor. If God clothes temporary grass so gloriously, how much more will he clothe you?
Jesus isn't saying, "Never have cares or concerns." Emotions are part of how God designed us. The problem is when those cares grow unchecked into constant worry that robs us of peace.
Worry often stems from trying to control things only God can control. It reveals we're seeking security in something other than God himself. But no amount of worrying can add a single hour to our lives.
So how do we actually worry less? Three key practices:
1. Soak in God's presence and character.
We must go beyond surface-level engagement with God. Truly absorb who he is—take in his goodness, power, and care for us. This takes intentional time and focus.
2. Bring your worries directly to God.
Don't ignore or suppress your concerns. Bring them honestly before God. Pour out your heart. But don't just drop them and run. Engage with God. Let the Holy Spirit counsel you through your worries.
Ask yourself:
- What are natural, healthy concerns vs. unhealthy worry?
- What's my part to do vs. God's part?
- Do I want a specific outcome more than I want God himself?
3. Keep moving forward in faith.
Don't get stuck ruminating on worries. Choose to trust that God will give you what you need for each day. You don't have tomorrow's strength yet—just today's. A mustard seed of faith is enough to keep going.
Over time, as we continually soak in God's character, bring him our cares, and keep stepping forward in faith, we gradually become people who worry less.
This isn't easy. It's countercultural. But it's possible through persistent faith and obedience.
Consider Sarah's story:
At 32, Sarah was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Worries flooded her mind. What if her condition worsened? What if she couldn't fully engage with her kids? What about her job? Her future as a grandmother?
Sarah didn't ignore these concerns. She brought them to God. She grieved the loss of her expected future. But she didn't stay stuck there.
Her mantra became: "My job is obedience. God's job is the outcome."
Sarah says a life with Jesus hasn't taken her worries away. But it's given her a place to release them—moment by moment, day by day. She's learned to surrender today's worries while still praying for healing. If God doesn't heal her, she trusts it's because he'll get more glory another way.
This daily surrender of worry has cultivated deep peace in Sarah's life—not because she lacks reasons to worry, but because she continually chooses to trust God's care.
The challenges:
Jesus used birds as an example—common creatures we see daily. Yet how often do we truly notice them? Similarly, we often miss the "love story of care and provision God is writing" in our lives. Open your eyes to his daily gifts.
Like the birds who seek food daily, do what you can. But release what you can't control.
Don't try to do God's job.
It's easier to worry. It feels more "responsible." But worry doesn't actually solve anything. Choose instead to keep seeking God first, trusting he'll provide what you truly need.
Sarah's MS diagnosis could have made her bitter. Instead, it deepened her reliance on God's care. Let your challenges drive you into deeper intimacy with your Creator.
Sarah didn't ignore these concerns. She brought them to God. She grieved the loss of her expected future. But she didn't stay stuck there.
Her mantra became: "My job is obedience. God's job is the outcome."
Sarah says a life with Jesus hasn't taken her worries away. But it's given her a place to release them—moment by moment, day by day. She's learned to surrender today's worries while still praying for healing. If God doesn't heal her, she trusts it's because he'll get more glory another way.
This daily surrender of worry has cultivated deep peace in Sarah's life—not because she lacks reasons to worry, but because she continually chooses to trust God's care.
The challenges:
1. Pay attention to God's provision.
Jesus used birds as an example—common creatures we see daily. Yet how often do we truly notice them? Similarly, we often miss the "love story of care and provision God is writing" in our lives. Open your eyes to his daily gifts.
2. Do your part, then trust God with the rest.
Like the birds who seek food daily, do what you can. But release what you can't control.
Don't try to do God's job.
3. Choose faith over worry—again and again.
It's easier to worry. It feels more "responsible." But worry doesn't actually solve anything. Choose instead to keep seeking God first, trusting he'll provide what you truly need.
4. Let your suffering draw you closer to God, not push you away.
Sarah's MS diagnosis could have made her bitter. Instead, it deepened her reliance on God's care. Let your challenges drive you into deeper intimacy with your Creator.
Conclusion:
Worry will always tempt us. But we can become people who worry less as we consistently soak in God's character, bring our concerns directly to him, and choose to keep moving forward in faith.
Remember: If God cares for temporary flowers and common birds, how much more does he care for you—his beloved creation made in his image? Trust his provision for this day. Choose faith over worry.
Remember: If God cares for temporary flowers and common birds, how much more does he care for you—his beloved creation made in his image? Trust his provision for this day. Choose faith over worry.