Why Are You Anxious?... | Matthew 6:25-34
From the Sermon Series: Questions Jesus Asked
Sermon Guide for August 9, 2026
How to Use This Guide:
These guides are designed to help you engage more deeply with my weekly sermon or serve as stand-alone, self-guided Bible studies. Use them to prepare your heart before worship or to reflect on God’s Word throughout the week.
Parents, use the “Family Practice” section to lead meaningful conversations that nurture your kids' faith and help them grow in God’s love.
Why Are You Anxious?...
Matthew 6:25-34
Big Idea
Jesus does not simply tell us to stop worrying. He teaches us how to fight anxiety by knowing our Father, seeking his Kingdom, and trusting him one day at a time.
Setting the Stage
Anxiety comes in many forms.
"What if?" anxiety worries about things that may never happen.
"What now?" anxiety wrestles with real burdens and present difficulties.
Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25-34 help us with both. While he never promises a life free of trouble, he does promise that our heavenly Father knows our needs and invites us to trust him rather than be ruled by anxiety.
Point 1: Anxiety is Defeated by Right Theology (vv. 25-32)
What does Jesus teach?
To alleviate our anxiety, Jesus repeatedly points us back to God's character in these verses.
God gave us the greater gift.
Jesus asks,
"Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" (v. 25, ESV)
His argument is simple:
God gave you life.
God gave you your body.
Therefore, if God gave us these greater gifts, we can trust him to provide the smaller things like food and clothing.
Paul makes the same argument:
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, ESV)
God cares for His creation.
Jesus points to:
The birds, whom the Father feeds.
The lilies, which the Father beautifully clothes.
If God faithfully provides for birds and flowers, how much more will he care for those made in his image?
God knows what you need.
Unlike the pagan gods of Jesus' day, our God is not distant or unpredictable.
Jesus reminds us:
"Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all." (v. 32, ESV)
Our Father:
knows our needs, delights in his children, has proven his love through Christ, and is worthy of our trust.
Key Truth
Our theology shapes our anxiety. The better we know our Father, the more we learn to trust him.
Reflection Questions
When I become anxious, what assumptions am I making about God?
Do I truly believe that my heavenly Father knows my needs?
Which truth about God's character most encourages me today?
When anxiety rises, ask yourself: "What does this moment tempt me to believe about God?"
Point 2: Anxiety is Defeated by Right Priorities (v. 33)
What does Jesus teach?
Jesus doesn't merely tell us to stop worrying, he gives us something greater to pursue.
"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness..." (v. 33, ESV)
Anxiety often exaggerates the importance of temporary things. We begin believing:
"If I lose my job, my life is over."
"If my child struggles, I've failed."
"If my health declines, I can't have joy."
Jesus reminds us that while these things matter, they are not ultimate. When God's Kingdom becomes our greatest pursuit:
earthly concerns become smaller,
eternal priorities become larger,
anxiety begins to lose its grip.
Jesus also promises:
"All these things will be added to you." (v. 33, ESV)
This is not a promise of luxury, it is the assurance that God faithfully provides everything his children need as they pursue his Kingdom.
Reflection Questions
What currently occupies most of my mental energy?
What am I tempted to treat as "ultimate" instead of "important"?
How would seeking God's Kingdom first reshape my priorities this week?
Point 3: Anxiety is Defeated by Right Boundaries (v. 34)
What does Jesus teach?
Jesus says,
"Do not be anxious about tomorrow... Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (v. 34, ESV)
Jesus is not condemning wise planning. He is condemning anxious preoccupation with the future.
Every day has responsibilities, opportunities, challenges, and grace.
Anxiety crosses a boundary God never intended. It drags tomorrow's burdens into today.
God's grace is often given one day at a time.
Throughout Scripture:
Israel received daily manna.
Jesus taught us to pray for daily bread.
God's mercies are new every morning.
God often gives today's grace for today's burdens. When we insist on carrying tomorrow's burdens today, we are trying to fight tomorrow's battles with today's provision.
Reflection Questions
What future concern is consuming my thoughts today?
Am I planning wisely, or am I living emotionally in tomorrow in an unhealthy and unfaithful way?
How can I faithfully obey God today instead of worrying about tomorrow?
Family Practice
Read Together
Read Matthew 6:25-34 aloud as a family.
Talk Together
For Younger Children
What were the two things Jesus told us to look at?
Who feeds the birds?
Who makes the flowers beautiful?
If God cares for birds and flowers, how much more does he care for us?
For Older Children & Teens
Why do you think people worry so much?
What does Jesus teach us about God's character?
What does it mean to "seek first the Kingdom"?
How can worrying about tomorrow keep us from serving God today?
Family Challenge
Each evening this week, ask one another:
Where did you see God provide for you today?
What is one thing you're tempted to worry about tomorrow?
How can we trust our heavenly Father with that together?
Close by praying:
"Father, thank you for today's grace. Help us trust you with tomorrow."
