“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”

Charles Spurgeon

God has no potential for growth or change—He cannot become more loving, more kind, or more patient than He already is. He is complete and unchanging. In contrast, we live in a constantly changing world, and we ourselves are always in a state of change. When we dwell on these changes, fear often arises, driven by imagining the worst outcomes that could happen.

I officiated a wedding today for a couple from our church. As they exchanged vows and reflected on Ephesians 5, the weight and seriousness of making a covenantal commitment became clear. Rather than dwelling on the uncertainties or challenges the future may bring, the focus was on their unwavering commitment to one another through all circumstances. I believe this is the best way to overcome the paralyzing fear that arises from imagining the worst possible outcomes.

“Storing up treasures on earth often involves being preoccupied with food, drink, clothing, and other necessities of life.”

Jesus addressed the issue of anxiety about the future in Matthew 6:34.

​Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

The conjunction “therefore” is significant when considering the context of this verse. As my wife often says, “What is the therefore there for?” Before this point, Jesus had traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the gospel, and healing every disease and affliction. As a result, large crowds began to follow Him. It was then that Jesus delivered what is widely regarded as the greatest sermon ever taught. In it, He instructed His listeners not to store up treasures on earth but instead to store up treasures in heaven. He also emphasized that no one can serve two masters—one must either hate the one and love the other. There is no middle ground.

Storing up treasures on earth often involves being preoccupied with food, drink, clothing, and other necessities of life. These are the same things the world constantly seeks after. However, Jesus wanted to make it clear that a Christian’s priority should be to seek the kingdom of God first. When this becomes the focus, everything needed to live free from worldly anxieties will be provided.

“A lack of trust can drain a person’s strength in the present.”

In Matthew 6:34, when Jesus says, *”Do not be anxious,”* He uses a verb, issuing a command to those seeking the kingdom of God. It is a clear directive to avoid anxiety about the future and the uncertainties it may bring. Much like the wedding I officiated, where the focus was on commitment despite any hardships that may arise, this passage encourages us to approach the future with resolve and trust rather than fear.

As Spurgeon wisely said, anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows. Instead, it becomes a source of wasted heartache and distraction. In an attempt to find relief, one might lose sleep or turn to quick fixes that provide temporary comfort. However, these short-term solutions often only set fears aside for a moment, leaving them unresolved. While this may offer brief relief, it can ultimately make matters worse, as the underlying fears remain unaddressed and unresolved.

A lack of trust can drain a person’s strength in the present. Sleeplessness and a heart weighed down by worry—often from mentally replaying the same troubling thoughts—can quickly lead to feelings of despair. This can leave someone paralyzed and ineffective. Fear is a harsh master, relentless in its pursuit to control every part of us, locking us in chains and rendering us passive. When fear has this hold, it prevents us from making any meaningful impact on a world desperately in need of Christ.

“We are called to rejoice in the Lord always and to pray, bringing our requests to God—and we should make this a regular practice.”

The key to obeying Jesus’ command not to worry lies in seeking His kingdom. This means pursuing what is good, seeking the King of the kingdom, and trusting that He is sovereign over all things. When we truly believe this, it brings comfort and rest. God is sovereign—He cannot be more in charge, as His sovereignty is perfect. He lacks nothing good and cannot be better than He is now. He is who He is, and this truth should bring us peace, knowing that nothing happens outside His control. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, we would be better off remembering that its sorrows are also known to God and are under His care.

Philippians 4:4–9 tells us to,

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

We should apply these truths when facing anxiety about what might happen. God is sovereign and in control. While this may feel distant or cold to some of us in the midst of difficult circumstances, it can serve as an anchor, keeping us grounded in Christ. We are called to rejoice in the Lord always and to pray, bringing our requests to God—and we should make this a regular practice. As the passage advises, we should focus on what is good, things that reveal who God is, so that we can face the future with hope and encouragement, rather than feeling isolated, paralyzed, and fearful.