Picture this: You’re lying awake at 2 a.m., your mind a whirlwind of concerns about bills piling up, that upcoming doctor’s appointment, or whether your kids are going to be okay in this unpredictable world. Sound familiar? In those moments, worry and fear can feel like uninvited guests that refuse to leave. But what if there was a way to find genuine relief right in the words of Jesus? Today, we’re diving into what Jesus teaches about worry and fear in Matthew 6, unpacking His timeless wisdom that speaks directly to our modern-day stresses and offers a path to true freedom.
P.S. to receive these blogs straight to your email along with tips for anxiety, come join our cozy Substack community. It’s completely free and takes just a moment to subscribe here.
Setting the Scene: The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 6 is part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, where He lays out the principles of kingdom living. It’s not just a list of dos and don’ts; it’s an invitation to a transformed life. In verses 25-34, Jesus turns His attention to the everyday burdens that weigh us down: provision, security, and the unknowns of tomorrow. He knows our tendencies to fret over these things because He’s fully human and fully God, intimately acquainted with our struggles.
I’ve often found myself turning back to this passage during my own bouts of unease. There’s something profoundly comforting about hearing Jesus address these issues head-on, not with platitudes, but with practical insight rooted in God’s character. Let’s walk through it together, verse by verse, to see how His teachings can reshape our approach to fear and concern.
Breaking Down What Jesus Teaches About Worry and Fear in Matthew 6
Jesus begins in Matthew 6:25 with a direct command: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Right away, He challenges the priorities that fuel our fears. Worry, in Greek “merimnao,” implies a divided mind; being pulled in multiple directions. Jesus isn’t minimizing our needs; He’s redirecting our focus to what’s eternal.
Look at how He uses nature as illustrations. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26). Birds don’t have 401(k)s or emergency funds, yet they’re provided for. This isn’t a call to irresponsibility but a reminder of God’s attentive care. If He sustains the sparrows, how much more will He look after us, His image-bearers?
Then come the flowers: “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Matthew 6:28-29). Lilies don’t toil for beauty; it’s given to them. Jesus points out the futility of fretting— “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27). Worry doesn’t extend life; it often shortens it through stress and health issues.
The climax is in verse 33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Here, Jesus offers the antidote: Prioritize God’s rule and moral way of life, and provision follows. He wraps up with, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Fear thrives on hypotheticals; Jesus calls us to live in the present, trusting God one day at a time.
This teaching isn’t only abstract theology, but a blueprint for handling real-life pressures. When I first grappled with financial uncertainty after a job loss, these words became my anchor. They shifted my perspective from scarcity to abundance in God’s economy.
The Deeper Roots: Why We Worry and How Jesus Addresses It
Worry often stems from a misplaced sense of control. We fear the unknown because we want to orchestrate outcomes. Jesus counters this by emphasizing God’s sovereignty and fatherly love. He’s not distant; He’s the Father who knows our needs before we ask (Matthew 6:32).
Consider the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16). God provided manna daily, but when they hoarded it out of fear, it spoiled. Jesus echoes this: Don’t stockpile anxiety for tomorrow. Trust in daily provision. This resonates deeply in our consumer-driven society, where we’re bombarded with messages to secure our futures through more stuff or better plans.
Fear also arises from doubting our value. Jesus combats this by affirming our worth: We’re more valuable than birds or flowers. In my quieter moments, when self-doubt creeps in, remembering this truth quiets the inner critic. It’s not about earning God’s care; it’s about receiving it as beloved children.
Practical Ways to Apply Jesus’ Teachings Today
Knowing the passage is one thing; living it is another. Here are some down-to-earth steps I’ve incorporated into my routine, inspired by Matthew 6, to combat worry and fear.
Practice Daily Surrender
Start your day with a simple prayer of release. Acknowledge your concerns, then verbally hand them over to God. Something like: “Lord, I give You my fears about [specific issue]. Help me seek Your kingdom first today.” This sets a tone of trust rather than turmoil.
Try a reflection exercise: At the end of each day, journal three things God provided that you didn’t anticipate. Over time, this builds a record of His faithfulness, making it easier to trust Him with future uncertainties.
Engage with Nature Mindfully
Jesus used birds and flowers as object lessons. Why not follow suit? Take a short walk outside and observe. Watch birds foraging without frenzy or flowers blooming effortlessly. Let it remind you of God’s provision. I’ve found this especially helpful during stressful seasons; it grounds me in the present and shifts my focus outward.
Reframe Your Thoughts
When fear spikes, ask: “What am I believing about God right now?” Often, worry reveals underlying beliefs like “God won’t provide” or “I’m on my own.” Counter with truth from Matthew 6. Memorize key verses and recite them during anxious moments.
For deeper engagement, consider using journals designed for reflecting on Scripture. I’ve put together a list of devotionals and journals focused on Bible verses for overcoming worry— check them out here. They’re great for turning these teachings into personal habits.
Build a Support Network
Jesus taught in community; we apply in community. Share your struggles with a friend or small group. Pray together over specific fears, claiming Matthew 6 promises. Accountability helps. Ask someone to check in on how you’re seeking God’s kingdom first.
If worry feels chronic, blending faith with professional help can be wise. A counselor rooted in biblical principles can provide tools to manage fear without contradicting Jesus’ teachings.
Overcoming Common Obstacles to Living Worry-Free
It’s easy to nod along to Jesus’ words, but life throws curveballs. What if provision seems delayed? Or fear feels overwhelming despite prayer? Jesus doesn’t promise a storm-free life, but He does promise peace amid storms.
Recall Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). He started strong but sank when focusing on waves instead of Jesus. The key? Keep eyes fixed on Him. When worry surges, redirect to God’s track record; through Scripture stories like the widow’s oil multiplying (2 Kings 4) or personal testimonies.
Cultural pressures amplify fear: Social media showcases highlight reels, news feeds doom and gloom. Combat by curating your inputs. Limit exposure and fill with uplifting content. I’ve curated feeds with encouraging accounts, which helps maintain perspective.
A Lifetime Journey: Growing in Trust
Embracing what Jesus teaches about worry and fear in Matthew 6 isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily choice. Some days, trust flows easily; others, it’s a battle. But each step strengthens our faith muscles.
In my experience, the more I practice these principles, the less power fear holds. It’s like training for a marathon. Smart small, build endurance. Over time, you’ll notice shifts: Quicker recovery from anxious thoughts, deeper peace in uncertainty.
If this resonates and you’re seeking more on finding calm through God’s Word, I recently explored related themes in a Bible study on mental peace. Dive in here.
Final Encouragement: Step Into Freedom
Friend, Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 aren’t distant echoes; they’re living invitations to trade worry for wonder, fear for faith. He sees your burdens and offers release: Seek Him first, trust His care, live in today. As you apply these truths, may you experience the freedom He promises. A life unburdened, rooted in the unshakeable love of your Heavenly Father.
You’re not alone in this. God is faithful, and His provision is sure. Take that next step today, and watch how He transforms your heart.
Sources
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Matthew Chapter 6
The Meaning of Matthew 6:25-34 (Don’t Worry About Tomorrow)
About The Author
Selah is a Christian lifestyle blogger and artist passionate about offering Christian anxiety help through Bible verses and prayer. Through gentle devotionals, practical faith tips, and cozy reflections, she helps women trade worry for peace by resting in God’s promises and presence.
✦ Make sure to follow my socials! → https://linktr.ee/selahshalom
✦ Shop devotional art and prints here →https://fernofthevalley.com/shop/
Fern Of The Valley 
Leave a comment