What is it right now you are worrying about? I’m reminding you—and me—of how useless and worthless it is to worry, as Jesus clearly told us in Matthew 6. Whatever you are worrying about at this moment is a total waste of time.

Jesus gave us three reasons not to worry. First, we should not worry because of who we are—we are far more valuable than the birds, and God takes care of the birds. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are protected by our Heavenly Father, and he provides for our needs. Nothing happens to us outside of his permissive will, and he is totally in control of our days. And because of who we are, we should not worry.

A second reason Jesus tells us not to worry is that it just simply does no good whatsoever. Jesus said, who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Worrying is totally worthless. It never produces any good results, but instead it causes us to lose our peace, to lose our joy, to waste our energy. Do you know how much energy it takes to worry? You are spending lots of emotional and mental energy when you’re in worry mode—and has it ever done you one bit of good? No, of course not. Worrying is worthless! That’s a really good reason for any sensible person to refuse to worry.

Then Jesus gives us another strong reason not to worry.

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them (Matthew 6:32).

All these things Jesus refers to include what you eat, what you drink, and what you wear. Jesus told his disciples that those who are not believers are always worrying about these things.

Isn’t it true most people around you are worrying? Just think about the conversations you have with people, particularly people who are not yet believers in Jesus Christ. You’ll observe they are worrying a lot. If those of us who are disciples of Jesus Christ worry just like everyone else, what kind of testimony is that?

If you are a real worrier, you can be sure people know it because you talk about it, it shows on your face and body language, and it’s not particularly attractive. Do an honest assessment of yourself: Are you prone to worry too much? According to Jesus, any worry is too much. He told us not to worry so when you do, you are disobeying him, right? Worrying is evidence you’re not trusting Jesus in that particular situation. And it’s not a good testimony for the difference Jesus makes in our lives.