The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Philippi to “not be anxious about anything” (See Philippians 4:6-9).

A young lady named Martha was asked to drive an elderly woman whom she didn’t know to th e clinic for an annual check-up. She was told this person was more than 90 years old and probably quite frail. But the person who opened the door when Martha knocked could hardly be described as old and frail. 

"Do you mind me asking how old you are?" "93," the woman answered. Martha was astonished. "You look so much younger," she said. "What's your secret?" 

"Well, honey," she answered, "Thirty years ago I made the decision to stop worrying and I haven't wasted a moment on worry since." 

In 1988 singer Bobby McFerrin recorded “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It cautioned his fans that “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double.”

Anxiety can steal your time, your physical and mental health, your friends, your money, your productivity — and so much of the good things in your life. Taking better care of our health may help, but, as Jesus asked, “...which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matt 6:27).

A basic principle in overcoming worry is learning to live one day at a time. Jesus taught, “… do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). Don’t borrow trouble!

The Lord doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned about the future or the past. However, we should allow God to help us learn from them.

It will help us to stop worrying if we truly believe God will take care of our needs as well as those of others. Having reminded those listening to him that, as supreme Creator, his father in heaven takes care of the birds and grass, Jesus asked them to “… not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?”... your heavenly Father knows that you need them all (Matthew 6:31-32). God not only knows our needs; he is more than able to take care of them. 

Of course, in order to benefit from God’s help, we have to seek him — his will and his help — first and foremost. “… seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you (Matthew 6:33). 

When we seek him first before everything else, we are assured that what we need will be given to us, always in keeping with his perfect knowledge of what is best.

German theologian Martin Luther (1483-1546)  said, “I have held many things in my hand and have lost them all, but that which I have placed in God's hand, I still possess.”