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

I recently saw this sign while on a run:

If I had been in my car, no big deal. I drive a Jeep, so it welcomes rough terrain. It’s a different story when on foot. I moved forward carefully, anticipating potholes or stray paving stones.

The road wasn’t rough. At all. In fact, it was newly paved, the kind of roadway that makes my Jeep go “Wheee!” as it sails on the smooth pavement . . . I mean, as it rolls safely over the pavement at a reasonable speed.

How often do I brace for something I’m expecting to happen, but it never happens? I’m not saying to disregard preparedness, but sometimes I dread doing something or experiencing something that ends up not being so bad after all.

It happened last week with my calendar. In my mind, I had a full week ahead with meetings after work. When I stopped to actually look at my calendar, I saw I was thinking of the wrong week. In fact, I had more opportunities for down time than I originally thought – what a treat!

So, how do we prepare for what may come without burdening ourselves?

I’m just gonna say it: Stop being anxious. God’s got it.

• “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.” Philippians 4:5-6 ESV

• “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27 ESV

• “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33-34 ESV

What do we learn from these verses about curbing our anxious thoughts?

• Seek God, because He is near
• Being anxious doesn’t change anything for the better
• Pray
• Give thanks

Let’s do these things so that we’re not looking for rough road, but we’re ready when we do encounter it.

What is something you’re dreading that you can give to God this week?

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