Background Story: Jesus taught a new message and understood the trials that people goes through each day.

Read Matthew 6:25-33

²⁵ “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? ²⁶ 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? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Big Idea: Even in hard times, we can have peace.

In this passage, Jesus does not say that life is not full of situations that can cause worry. Jesus asks the question, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” Jesus is changing our perspective to see ourselves in the Father’s eyes. You are LOVED and VALUED by God.

So what can we do when worry overtakes our thoughts? Try some of these strategies next time your mind is not at peace:

– Prayer: Bring your fears, worries and “what ifs” to God in prayer. Don’t be afraid to be honest. God loves you and encourages us in the scripture to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Read that again… “because He cares for you.” As we lift our eyes from our worries to the loving eyes of our Father in prayer, we find rest and peace in Him. As we rely on His heart for us instead of what we see with our eyes, our faith expands and we walk in peace in the midst of life’s storm.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

– Memorize Scripture: When I am overwhelmed with worries, I paste my life with God’s word. Tape scriptures to your mirror. Put verses that speak to you in your locker at school. Make it your wallpaper on your phone. Carry around a scripture in your pocket. Every time your mind wanders to worry, replay scripture in your mind and replace your worries with God’s truth.

“Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Proverbs 30:5

– Good Support: Never be afraid to seek help from a youth pastor, parent, counselor, pastor, therapist, or Christian friend. It’s amazing how other people can help lift our eyes to see our circumstances with a new perspective.

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25

– Clean the Closet: Are there bad habits, specific friends, or activities in your life that add to your worries? Do a self evaluation of what might be triggering your worry and make a change. Sometimes peace is a decision and in order to pursue it, we might have to leave other things behind.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms 34:14

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