Living in the Garden of Grace: Stop Worrying!
"… do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body… Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…" —Matthew 6:25, 34
"Be anxious for nothing…" —Philippians 4:6
The Weight of Worry
Are you a worrier? Most of us would answer “yes.” Worry is a universal struggle, often creeping into our hearts despite our best intentions. We know it dishonors the Lord and undermines our testimony. We’re aware it can harm our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Yet, breaking free from worry can feel impossible.
What Causes Worry?
At its root, worry stems from a “know-it-all attitude,” the fleshly mindset that insists we know how things should unfold. When life’s circumstances threaten our expectations of what “should happen,” worry takes hold.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands us to stop worrying, reminding us of God’s faithfulness:
"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26).
Jesus points to creation as evidence of God’s care. If He sustains the birds, won’t He provide for His children?
Paul reinforces this truth in Philippians 4:6:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
Worry is a natural response to uncertainty, but as new creations in Christ, we are not bound to the fleshly patterns that fuel it.
Freedom from Worry
Victory over worry begins with addressing its source: the flesh. Kuykendall explains that worry flows from our belief that we know what should happen. This “know-it-all attitude” belongs to the flesh—the residual thought patterns of our crucified old man.
The good news is that the power of the flesh was broken at the cross. As Paul writes:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
To stop worrying, we must live out the reality of our new-creation life by:
Recognizing worry as a fleshly response: Worry thrives on self-reliance and human wisdom. Acknowledge it for what it is—a futile attempt to control what belongs to God.
Reckoning ourselves dead to the flesh: Believe that your old patterns of self-reliance are crucified with Christ. Trust that His Spirit empowers you to walk in freedom.
Trusting God’s wisdom and timing: Lay down your insistence on knowing the outcome. Rest in God’s infinite wisdom and perfect timing.
Living in Trust
Imagine living without the constant mental drain of worry. This is not a fantasy but a reality available to every believer who yields to the Spirit’s work. Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 is as true today as it was when He first spoke it:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
True rest comes from surrendering your worries to the One who holds all things together.
Practical Steps to Stop Worrying
Identify the source of your worry: What “should happen” expectation is driving your concern?
Surrender your expectations to God: Acknowledge His wisdom and trust His plan, even when it’s unclear.
Replace worry with prayer: When anxious thoughts arise, turn them into opportunities for prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).
Meditate on God’s promises: Fill your mind with His Word, reminding yourself of His faithfulness and provision.
Personal Reflection
In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God?
How can embracing your new-creation identity free you from worry?
Pray This
“Father, I confess my tendency to worry about things I cannot control. Forgive me for relying on my own understanding instead of trusting in Your perfect plan. Thank You for crucifying the old man and freeing me from his power. I surrender my worries to You and trust that You will provide for every need. Thank you for continuing to teach me to rest in Your care and live in the peace that comes from knowing You are faithful. Amen.”
A Final Thought
Worry may feel natural, but it’s not inevitable. As children of God, we are invited to lay down the burdens of anxiety and walk in the freedom of grace. When we embrace our identity as new creations in Christ, we discover a life of peace and trust that glorifies our faithful Father.
Let us stop worrying and start resting in the One who holds tomorrow.