“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” — Jesus, Matthew 6:27 (NLT)
What a powerful, soul-searching question.
Jesus didn’t ask it to shame us, but to free us.
We live in a world that is overflowing with reasons to worry—health concerns, finances, family pressures, national instability, and even the future of the Church. It’s easy to lie awake at night rehearsing our fears. But Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, cuts through the noise with this simple question: What does worrying actually accomplish?
1. Worry is Unproductive
Worry feels like we’re doing something—but it’s deceptive. It doesn’t solve tomorrow’s problems; it only steals today’s peace. Jesus’ question is as relevant now as it was 2,000 years ago: Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
No. In fact, science now tells us what Scripture has always taught—worrying can shorten our lives, affect our sleep, weaken our immune systems, and harm our relationships.
As Corrie ten Boom once said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”
2. Worry Distracts Us from God’s Provision
Right after asking about the futility of worry, Jesus points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. He says, “Look at them—your Father feeds them, clothes them, and cares for them. Aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?”
Worry draws our eyes downward—onto problems, people, and pressures. Faith lifts our eyes upward—to the Father who provides daily bread, grace for today, and strength for tomorrow.
When we worry, we often lose sight of the goodness and faithfulness of God.
3. Worry Is a Matter of Focus
Jesus follows His teaching on worry with a challenge:
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” — Matthew 6:33
We often try to figure out everything on our own before we come to God. But Jesus says: Put Me first. Seek My Kingdom. Trust My character. I’ll take care of the rest.
It’s not that our concerns don’t matter—they do. But we’re invited to cast those cares on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
4. How to Let Go of Worry
Letting go of worry isn’t passive—it’s active trust. Here are a few simple ways I’ve learned to combat worry over the years:
- Start each day with Scripture and prayer. Let God speak louder than your fears.
- Speak God’s promises out loud. Your ears need to hear what your heart believes.
- Keep a “thankfulness journal.” Gratitude drives out worry like light drives out darkness.
- Talk to a trusted friend or mentor. Sometimes, just sharing your burden lightens it.
- Practice surrender. Try praying, “Lord, I can’t carry this. I give it to You.”
And when worry creeps back in (as it always tries to), keep returning to the words of Jesus. He is not only the Prince of Peace—He is your peace.
Final Thoughts
You and I have a choice: we can dwell in fear, or we can dwell in faith. We can worry, or we can worship.
The same Jesus who asked “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” is the One who holds your future in His hands. Nothing surprises Him. Nothing is beyond His reach. He sees you, He knows you, and He’s already working on what you’re worried about.
Let’s trade our worries for worship today.
With peace and purpose,
Mark Cole
