Stuff Jesus said: don't worry

Matthew 6:31-32 says, Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things.
He actually starts talking about worry at verse 25 but these two verses provide a nice summary. Worrying about a situation does not affect the outcome. For example, worrying about where your next meal is going to come from will not magically put food on the table. I can tell you for a fact though, that praying about your needs is much more effective. Worry undermines your faith and trust in God. Worry wastes a lot of energy and can negatively impact your physical health - it can lead to headaches, muscle tension and an upset stomach. 

Jesus reminds us that God already knows what you need so trust in him to provide it. He gave two examples of God's provision:

1. birds held a very small value in Biblical times but God fed them
2. he clothes the flowers with beauty and he will clothe you too.
   

Most people in the Western World have more than enough, but there are people in our communities who don't know where their next meal is coming from. I believe that God cares about much more than our basic needs of food, water, clothing and shelter. Philippians 4:6 says, Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 

Verse 33 of Matthew 6 says, What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. When you find yourself worrying about something, do something for someone else - smile at them, help them carry their groceries, talk to someone, give someone a compliment, share something you have. By loving people and being kind you are doing what he wants you to do.