The Worrier

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-34

Lily worried about everything. One day at recess, she was so worried that she sat on a swing, tears trickling down her cheeks.

Her friend Anna sat beside her. “Why are you crying?”

“I’m worried.”

“About what?”

Lily wiped away her tears. “Everything. I’m worried about our spelling quiz and about my dentist appointment tomorrow…and I’m worried I’ll never stop worrying!”

After a pause, Anna said, “Do you want to go to church with me tonight?”

“Tonight?” Lily frowned. She’d never been to church. “I thought church was on Sundays.”

“We have kids’ church on Wednesdays. Ask your parents. It would be fun!”

Lily wasn’t sure how church would help with her worrying. So far, Anna’s invitation had only made her more worried. But Anna was a good friend, so Lily figured she might as well ask.

Her parents said yes, so Lily went to church with Anna. When Lily noticed that the other kids already knew each other, worry filled her again. But soon, fun replaced the worry. They sang songs and played games.

Then the children’s pastor—Pastor Casey—talked to them about a man named Jesus. And about worry. “When Jesus taught about worry, he talked about the birds. Do the birds worry about what they eat or what they’re going to wear?”

“No,” said all the kids except Lily. She was too busy thinking.

“But God created them, and He takes care of them. Do you think you matter more than the birds?”

“Yes!”

“So, do we need to worry about what is going to happen? Or can we trust God to care for us?”

“We can trust God.” Lily was surprised to hear her own voice.

“Jesus wants us to come to Him,” Pastor Casey said. “He promises to give us rest.”

Lily wondered what it would be like to experience rest. She wanted to learn more about Jesus. After Pastor Casey finished speaking, Lily knew what to do.

“I want to talk to Pastor Casey,” she told Anna. “Will you come with me?”

Anna beamed. “Of course.”

– Becca Wierwille

How About You?

Have you ever felt like your mind was stuffed full with worries? Each day gives us plenty to worry about, but Jesus teaches us that worry won’t change a thing—instead, we can trust God to care for us. We can hand our worries to Jesus, who loves us so much He died for us, and He promises to give us rest. What worries can you turn over to Jesus today? Let Him carry your worries for you, and if you still feel burdened by worry, tell an adult so they can help.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trade worry for rest