What Does "Take No Thought for Tomorrow" Mean?
Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 6:34 (KJV):
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He taught His followers to trust God instead of worrying about life’s uncertainties. "Take no thought" doesn't mean being careless or failing to plan. Instead, it means refusing to be consumed by anxiety over what may or may not happen in the future.
Why Do People Worry About Tomorrow?
Many struggle with anxiety about the future because they feel uncertain or out of control. Common reasons people worry include:
- Finances – Fear of not having enough money for bills, food, or emergencies.
- Health – Concerns about sickness, aging, or unexpected medical issues.
- Family – Worrying about children, marriage, or relationships.
- Work – Fear of losing a job, failing in business, or not succeeding.
- World Events – Stress over political instability, natural disasters, or economic downturns.
These concerns can lead to sleepless nights and constant stress. But Jesus calls His followers to a different way of living—one filled with faith instead of fear.
God's Promise to Provide
In Matthew 6:26-30, Jesus gives examples from nature to show how God provides:
- Birds do not store food in barns, yet God feeds them.
- Lilies do not worry about clothing, yet God dresses them beautifully.
Jesus' point is clear: If God takes care of birds and flowers, how much more will He take care of us? Worrying about tomorrow does not add anything to our lives. Instead, it steals our peace.
How to Trust God Instead of Worrying
1. Pray Instead of Worrying
Philippians 4:6 says:
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
When anxiety creeps in, turn to God in prayer. Tell Him your concerns and trust that He is in control.
2. Focus on Today
Jesus reminds us that each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Worrying about tomorrow only adds unnecessary stress. Instead, focus on doing your best one day at a time.
3. Seek God's Kingdom First
Matthew 6:33 says:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
When we focus on God’s purpose for our lives, He provides everything we need. Prioritizing faith, obedience, and service to others helps shift our minds away from worry.
4. Remember God's Faithfulness
Think about past times when God provided for you. He has never failed you before, and He won’t start now. Keeping a journal of answered prayers can be a great reminder of God's goodness.
The Benefits of Letting Go of Worry
Trusting God with tomorrow brings:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Peace | No more sleepless nights over the unknown. |
| Stronger Faith | Builds confidence in God’s provision. |
| Better Health | Reduces stress, which helps the body and mind. |
| Greater Joy | Frees us to enjoy life and relationships. |
Final Thoughts
"Take no thought for tomorrow" is not about avoiding responsibility. It’s about letting go of fear and trusting that God holds the future. Instead of wasting energy on worry, we are called to focus on today, seek God’s kingdom, and trust in His faithfulness.
God is in control. We don’t have to be.
