So, I glanced over at Mr. Kitty today and immediately thought about Jesus’ reassuring teaching on the uselessness of worry. Here’s my “pet” paraphrase of his teaching on worry: Consider the kitties on the couches–free and blissfully relaxed–careless in the care of God. You count far more to him than cats! Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. If he is first in your life, God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Here’s what Jesus actually said 🙂

“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

“Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

The Wisdom of Living in the Present

Jesus’ teaching is a profound lesson in overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. By focusing on the present moment and trusting in God’s provision, we can free ourselves from the mental burdens that often weigh us down.

The Uselessness of Worry

Worrying about the future is a common human experience, but Jesus points out its futility. Has anyone ever improved their situation by worrying? The answer is a resounding no. Instead, worry often paralyzes us, preventing us from taking meaningful action and enjoying the present moment. By letting go of our anxieties and trusting in God’s plan, we can live more fulfilling and peaceful lives.

Trusting in God’s Care

Jesus uses the examples of birds and wildflowers to illustrate God’s meticulous care for His creation. Birds do not worry about their next meal, and wildflowers do not stress over their appearance, yet they are provided for in abundance. If God takes such care of these creatures, how much more will He care for us, His beloved children? This assurance is a cornerstone in overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety.

Practical Steps to Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety

• Focus on the Present: Take a cue from Mr. Kitty and live in the moment. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now. This mindfulness can help reduce anxiety about the future.
• Trust in God’s Provision: Remember that God knows your needs and will provide for them. Reflect on the ways He has cared for you in the past as a reminder of His faithfulness.
• Prioritize Your Spiritual Life: Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, and God-provisions. By prioritizing your relationship with God, you can find peace and purpose that transcends worldly concerns.
• Let Go of Material Worries: Jesus emphasizes that life is more than food and clothing. By shifting your focus from material needs to spiritual growth, you can alleviate much of the stress and anxiety that comes from worrying about worldly matters.

Embracing God’s Peace

Ultimately, overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety is about embracing the peace that comes from trusting in God. When we place our faith in His provision and focus on the present, we can experience a sense of calm and assurance that transcends our circumstances. Just as Mr. Kitty lounges without a care, we too can rest in the knowledge that God is in control and will help us deal with whatever challenges come our way.

Jesus’ teachings offer a timeless and practical guide for overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. By focusing on the present, trusting in God’s care, and prioritizing our spiritual lives, we can find the peace and assurance that we seek. As you reflect on these teachings, may you find the courage to let go of your worries and embrace the abundant life that God has planned for you.

You can find this recorded in the New Testament, in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 6, verses 25-34, The Message. I hope and pray that you will find out what I mean by “after brokenness.