Do Not Be Anxious

Every generation probably has a moment when they take a weary glance at what is going on around them and come to the conclusion that the precarious days they are living in must be the most anxious ever—can things get any worse?

We can't ignore our anxiety—it keeps us awake at night, steals our joy, and fills us with "what ifs" that are generally never as bad as we feared. The Scriptures rush to our aid with great encouragement, as always. There’s a moment in Matthew’s Gospel—chapter 6—where Jesus says something so bold, so counterintuitive, it almost feels reckless. He looks at a crowd of people who know all about living on the edge of survival and says:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.”

Do not be anxious. About your life.

Let’s just stay with that for a moment because… seriously?

Anxious about my life? You mean the part of me that’s responsible for rent, the bills, groceries, my job, my kids, my ageing parents, my relationships, my health? You mean the part of me that’s watching inflation climb and trust in political leadership plummet? You mean the part of me that’s seeing headlines that make me wonder if the worst isn’t still ahead? That life?

Yes, that life.

Jesus says, “Do not be anxious,” not as some lofty ideal or spiritual car bumper sticker, but as an invitation into something deeper, something better. He’s not naïve about the human condition, not indifferent to the crushing weight of what it means to live in a world gone seemingly mad. He’s fully aware of every fear, every crisis, every sleepless night, and yet, He offers this radical alternative to the default mode of existence.

It’s not, “Do not be anxious because nothing bad will happen.” It’s not, “Do not be anxious because you can control the outcome.” No, it’s, “Do not be anxious because I am here, and I am enough.”

Andrew Wilson has preached an absolutely phenomenal message on this very text, and if you haven’t listened to it yet, you need to. Like, soon. Because this isn’t just theology—it’s survival. It’s a way of reimagining your life when everything around you feels unsteady.

These words of Jesus need to get under our skin. It’s important, in more ways than we realise, that we understand what He’s really saying—and why it changes everything.

Illusion—when things have a distracting appearance

The first thing we need to consider is the Illusion of Control. Jesus asks: “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27).

My guess is you’ve tried, haven’t you? You’ve stayed up late, endlessly scrolling through worst-case scenarios. You’ve rehearsed the same conversations in your head a hundred times, living in the tight-clenched space of What if? What if? What if? You know the answer to this: the worry, anxiety, and sleepless teeth-grinding have never worked.

Jesus reminds us here that anxiety thrives on the illusion of control. Look at it for what it is: that desperate attempt to micromanage the future, to believe that if you just think about it enough—problem-solve like a chess master—you can force life to bend to your will.

But you’re not God. That’s actually the best news you could hear right now because it means the weight of the universe isn’t on your shoulders. The whole story of Scripture is this relentless revelation that God—not you—is the One holding it all together. It’s a world put together with purpose: God’s sovereign, providential, and ‘omniwise’ hand. (I think I just invented a new theological word there!)

Here’s the twist: even the chaos is in His hands. The broken systems, the frayed relationships, the rising prices, and the rising fears—all of it. The same God who parted seas, fed multitudes, and raised the dead is still sovereign over every detail of your life. He’s not asking you to minimise your challenges—whether small, great, or insurmountable; He’s asking you to trust that He’s bigger than them. All of them.

Let’s be honest, your anxiety doesn’t actually solve anything. It just exhausts you, keeps you living in a reality that doesn’t exist, and robs you of the joy and peace that are right here, right now.

If you are facing life’s monster of anxiety, choose by faith (and obedience—remember Jesus said “do not be anxious”) to be reassured, letting the illusion go. You’re not in control, but you are in the hands of the One who is.

See God’s Extravagant Provision

“Look at the birds of the air,” Jesus says. “They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

Take this to heart: Jesus isn’t being dismissive; He’s being deeply practical. Consider it as Jesus saying, “Open your eyes. Pay attention to the world around you!” The birds don’t have five-year plans, savings accounts, or backup strategies helpfully researched and approved by Martin Lewis. The birds (and the animals too—just look at your cat!) live in this wild, trusting rhythm of provision, receiving what they need every single day.

And so do you. Actually.

The problem is that anxiety has this sneaky way of making us forget. It clouds our vision so we miss the ways God has already been providing. It whispers, “What if He doesn’t come through this time? What if He’s forgotten about you?” Anxiety puts blinkers on you, stopping you from seeing what would bring hope and encouragement.

The Cross, as always, speaks authoritatively into our bewildering, fear-filled life. Think about it: if God didn’t spare His own Son, do you really think He’s going to withhold what you need? If Jesus gave His life for you, do you think He’s going to leave you fending for yourself? Don’t forget this: the Spirit of God lives in you. The same Spirit who brought order to chaos in Genesis and raised Jesus from the dead is actively at work in your life, which means you’re not alone in this. You’re not scraping by on your own strength. The Spirit is always empowering, equipping, and sustaining you—even when you’re unaware of it.

God’s provision isn’t just a vague promise. It’s here. It’s now. Open your eyes. Look back at all the ways He’s come through for you before, and trust that He’ll do it again.

The Bigger Picture

We have to step back and see the huge, bigger picture. Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Anxiety locks your focus on the immediate, keeping you staring at the problem in front of you while forgetting the bigger story.

There is a Hero in heaven, our great Lord and Saviour, who invites us to lift our eyes and see beyond the headlines, the chaos, and the fear. Remember, there’s a kingdom breaking in—a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

This kingdom isn’t subject to inflation or political turmoil. It doesn’t rise and fall with markets or elections. It’s anchored in Christ, the risen King, who is making all things new. Brilliant news!

The Emmanuel, God-with-us church, is where strangers become family, burdens are shared, and hope is renewed. It’s where the hungry are fed, the broken are healed, and the lost are found. It’s where we gather, week after week, to remind each other that the story isn’t over, to keep looking to Jesus and trusting Him.

Resurrection is real, and Jesus is coming again to wipe every tear from our eyes.

This is why Andrew Wilson’s message on this text is so important. Because we’re not just talking about surviving; we’re talking about thriving.

The kingdom is here. And it’s coming.

Do not be anxious.