Why Worrying Doesn’t Make Sense

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
–Matthew 6:26

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained why we shouldn’t worry. Of course, that’s easier said than done, but remembering Jesus’ words can help us shift our focus from our worries to His peace.

First of all, Jesus said worrying is unreasonable. He began, “Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). God is not only your Creator but also your Sustainer. He knows better than anyone what you need to survive.

You might say, “I believe God can sustain me, but will He?” In verse 26, Jesus continued, “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Jesus also used bird imagery in Luke 12:6: “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.” In Bible times, sparrows were cheap. You could buy four for two pennies, and a fifth sparrow would be thrown in for free. Jesus was saying that even the fifth sparrow was worth something to God. How much more do you think He cares about you?

Second, worrying is unproductive. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus said, “Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” Worrying yourself to death doesn’t add to your life.

Finally, worrying is ungodly. Jesus said, “You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (vv. 30–32). Whatever you’re worried about, don’t leave God out of the equation the way unbelievers do. You have a heavenly Father who loves you and wants to spend eternity with you—and He can do far more than you can imagine. That’s why Jesus concluded, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (vv. 33–34).

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Moving from Anxiety to Peace,” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2021.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.