By Jenna Walmer

 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” –Matthew 6:25-34

It’s January. For high school a student that means the first round of finals are on the way. For college students, it means a new set of classes may be starting. Worried much? You shouldn’t be. Jesus says don’t worry about what is going to happen tomorrow! Just take each day at a time and roll along because… “each day has enough trouble.” Isn’t that so true! This is one of my favorite passages. Actually, any of the passages about worrying and trusting in the Lord are my favorite. It’s just a friendly reminder that you aren’t here alone. God’s got your back.

Worrying affects many aspects in life. It troubles our health and consumes our thoughts. Our productivity can be ruined from worrying. Also, our actions toward others can turn sour due to worrying. Lastly, and the worst of all, it can reduce our ability to trust God. Think about these attributes that are caused by worrying. How many of these are you currently experiencing?

The Message says, “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

Trusting in God and turning to Him first is our panacea. If we worry about something, whether it is big or small, pray to Him about it. He is our comfort and our support. He will fill our thoughts will His desires instead of our petty desires.

When our thoughts are filled with Him, our planning for the future will be focused on Him as well. Trusting in God’s guidance instead of worrying about the plans will help us achieve His goals for us. People who worry about the future are filled with fear and have difficulty trusting Him. Don’t let the worries of tomorrow interfere with the plans of today.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. Let your trust in God alleviate your daily worries, the big ones and the small ones. Fulfill His dreams for you, worry free.

Jenna Walmer is from Lancaster County and is currently in 12th grade. In school, she loves to research historical events. If she were to live in a specific time period, she would want to be a hippie and live in the 60s or 70s. Her favorite past times are swimming and playing her trombone. If you want to know more about her random life, follow her on twitter: @jaymarie2100