Finding Peace in a World of Worry
An abstract of Connor Kraus’ sermon on May 11, 2025, in the Getting Over It series. Watch the sermon video here.
Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., heart racing, thoughts spinning about things completely out of your control? If so, you're not alone. In today's world, anxiety seems to be everywhere. Studies show nearly one in three adults will struggle with an anxiety disorder at some point, and for teenagers, that number rises to one in two.
But what does Jesus say about this common struggle? In Matthew 6, as part of his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers us a different perspective on worry.
The Root of Anxiety
Jesus doesn't view anxiety as just something we need to manage better. Instead, he points to something deeper: anxiety comes from our desire to control things we simply can't control.
Think about it - if you knew ahead of time that your doctor's visit would bring good news, or that your presentation would receive applause, or that the person you're meeting for coffee would like you - wouldn't your stress disappear?
We want certainty. We want control. And when we don't have it, anxiety blooms.
Looking to Creation’s Example
Jesus uses beautiful examples from nature to make his point. He says, "Consider the birds of the sky. They don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they?"
Imagine Jesus pointing to birds flying overhead as he speaks. "I put them there," he might say. "I fed them this morning. I keep them aloft."
Then he turns to wildflowers growing nearby: "Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow. They don't labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon and all his splendor was adorned like one of these."
His message is simple but powerful: if God cares for these small things, how much more will He care for you?
A Matter of Trust
When we worry, we're showing a lack of trust that God is in control and will take care of us. Jesus gently but clearly calls this what it is: "You of little faith."
These words might sting, but they reveal the heart of the matter. The gap between what we know about God (that He's in control) and what we feel (that we're on our own) is often the exact size of our anxiety.
We might try to justify our worry by calling it "being cautious" or "thinking ahead," but Jesus cuts through these excuses. He asks plainly, "Who by worrying can add one hour to their life?"
Four Practical Steps to Overcome Anxiety
1. Put God's Kingdom First
Jesus gives us one clear command: "Seek first the kingdom of God." When we prioritize God in our lives, our other priorities naturally fall into place. Making time for God's word, connecting with His people, and serving His kingdom can be the first steps toward beating anxiety.
2. Give Control Back to God
God is already in control, whether we acknowledge it or not. Surrender isn't about waving a white flag in defeat - it's about recognizing reality and taking steps to affirm it. When anxious thoughts hit, try saying, "God, I know you're in control. You already know this outcome, and I know you love me."
3. Starve Your Worry and Feed God's Work
The energy we spend on anxiety is wasted. What if we redirected that same energy toward things that matter? Find where God is working in your life already and join Him there. Discover more about God's word, connect with His people, and serve others.
4. Plan Wisely but Live Presently
Jesus doesn't say, "Don't think about tomorrow." He says, "Don't worry about tomorrow." Worry steals joy from your present and places burdens on your shoulders that Jesus never intended you to carry. Life is already challenging enough - why make it harder?
Practical Tips for Daily Life
Here are some simple ways to apply these principles:
To focus on the present and those around you, create phone-free zones or times in your home and prioritize face time with your loved ones
Start a "stop worrying" journal where you write down tomorrow's concerns and set them aside; establish a "worry cutoff time" each day
Start a gratitude practice to shift focus from worries to blessings
Create a dedicated prayer time focused specifically on surrendering anxious thoughts
Take a "nature break" each day to observe birds or flowers as Jesus suggested, reminding yourself of God's care
Practice "thought stopping" - when anxious thoughts begin, say "Stop" and redirect to a scripture verse
Find an accountability partner who can check in on your anxiety levels and new anti-anxiety habits
Limit news and social media consumption, especially before bedtime
Create a playlist of worship songs about God's faithfulness to listen to during times when you’re susceptible to anxiousness
Practice deep breathing or other relaxation techniques when physical anxiety symptoms appear
Replace "what if" catastrophic thinking with "even if" statements of faith
Trading Anxiety for Peace
Anxiety is like trying to grab smoke with your hands - exhausting, frustrating, and fruitless. Jesus isn't saying you shouldn't plan or be responsible. He's saying you should stop carrying tomorrow's burdens on today's shoulders.
When you seek God's kingdom first, surrender the outcomes of your life, and focus on what He's doing today, you begin to live the full and present life He designed for you.
Remember, God cares for the birds of the air, and He loves you far more than He loves the birds. That's a promise worth holding onto.
Are you struggling with anxiety or just curious about faith? We'd love to welcome you this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 a.m. Come discover how Jesus' ancient wisdom speaks to our modern struggles.