When Worry Weighs You Down

Why is it so easy for us to get caught up in our worries? Even as you’re reading this right now, maybe your mind is occupied with all the ceaseless demands on you. Maybe you’re mentally pressured with the ‘to-do’ list in your mind, and there are people relentlessly chasing you. Maybe just the thought about what tomorrow will bring leaves you feeling hopeless, helpless, crippled, and defeated.

And maybe you are even so afraid to see the sun tomorrow.

Life is busy, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelmingly difficult. It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of obligations, deadlines, and expectations.

We have rentals to pay. We have family to feed. We have work deadlines to meet. We have loans to pay. We have school tasks to complete and exams to pass.

Ouch, the list is never-ending.

Let us read this from God’s Word from Matthew 6:30-33, The Message:

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”

What was Jesus trying to say?

He recognised the burden we have about food, clothing, shelters, tuition fees, and everything else. He then invited us to see that there is another reality at work in our lives, the realm of the Kingdom of God.

Steep your life in it!

In that realm, God is the Father and the King. In that realm, God cares for every single hair drop. He knows exactly what happens to the birds and their meal schedules. He clothes the flowers despite them being so transient. Jesus is describing the God who cares for us and is powerful.

And that realm, my friends, is not a fantasy or imagination. It is a reality, and He invites you to step into it and steep your life in it!

Then, in verse 34 – He invites us to fix our eyes on Him:
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

It's a radical invitation to trust Him daily. Yet, what does that look like in our practical, everyday lives? How do we shift our focus from the never-ending carousel of worries to a place of peace and trust in Him?

My friend, your heavenly Father knows all that you are responsible for and need to deal with. He’s not unaware of the pressures and stresses that weigh heavily on your shoulders. And amid all this, He reaches out to you with such profound love and grace, inviting you to cast all your anxieties on Him.

Here’s the truth: God’s got you. Right here, right now. He’s fully aware of the challenges you face and He’s inviting you into His rest. Can you imagine the Creator of the universe leaning in, whispering to your heart, “I’ve got this. Trust Me.”

In the moments when worry tries to consume you, pause and remember His promises. Philippians 4:6-7 invites us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

This isn’t just a feel-good quote; it’s a powerful declaration of faith. When you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, take a deep breath, give thanks for all His goodness, bring up your petition, and let His peace wash over you. It’s a peace that doesn’t make sense to the world but is a testament to God’s faithfulness.

You are loved. You are seen. And you are held by the gracious hands of a Saviour who cares deeply for every aspect of your life.

He’s got your back. Steep your life in God’s reality. Step into the realm of the Kingdom of God. Bask in His loving presence.

Let us pray:

Father, I thank You that in You, each one of us, Your child, has a blessed future and true hope – a positive expectation of good that has been paid for with the finished work of Your Son, Jesus.

Father, even as we are facing fear, worry, or anxiety right now, we speak and declare Your shalom peace that surpasses all understanding over us. As we rest in You, open our eyes to see Your provision and protection. Draw us near to Your presence, Lord, for nothing, but You can satisfy us and give us peace.

Bring supply and wholeness to us, even in the area of our weaknesses and challenges, so we will witness the glory of the Father.

Thank you, Father, for you are good and faithful. In Jesus’ name, we pray.