This devotion is based on the sermon: How to Overcome Worry
Bible Verse
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
— Matthew 6:27, NLT
Devotion
Have you ever noticed how worry drains your energy while offering nothing in return? It’s like sprinting on a treadmill—your heart’s pounding, your mind is racing, but you’re stuck in place. Jesus asks a piercing question: Can worry add even an hour to your life? Of course not. In fact, it does the opposite—it steals time, attention, and peace from the life you already have.
When you’re stuck in worry, you’re not fully present. You might be physically with your loved ones, but your mind is far away, rehearsing worst-case scenarios, trying to control what you can’t, or replaying past regrets. In doing so, you miss the moment God has placed in front of you—the gift of now.
Worry also takes a toll on your body. Modern medicine confirms what Scripture taught long ago: chronic anxiety weakens your immune system, elevates your stress hormones, and makes you more susceptible to illness. But beyond the physical cost, worry distorts your spiritual perspective. It magnifies your fears while shrinking your view of God’s presence and power.
Pastor Max Lucado once said:
“Worry is the darkroom where negatives develop.”
It enlarges our fears, shadows God’s goodness, and convinces us we’re alone in a world out of control. But you’re not alone. And the world isn’t out of control. God is still on the throne.
So today, when you feel the weight of anxiety creeping in, ask yourself: Is this productive? Is it adding anything life-giving to my soul or those I love? If not, redirect that mental energy into trust. Fix your thoughts on what’s true: God sees you, loves you, and is already working where you cannot.
Reflection Question
How has worry affected your ability to be fully present in your relationships and daily activities, and what would change if you redirected that mental energy toward trust in your Provider God?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the hours I’ve wasted in unproductive worry. Help me recognize when anxiety is stealing my present moments, and teach me to redirect my thoughts to Your faithfulness. Thank You that I can trust You with all my concerns. Amen.
From the sermon,
Jesus tells us not to worry because it will not add any benefit to our lives; instead, it will subtract from our lives.
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