Why Anxiety?

Why is anxiety so common among people?

Would you like an answer based on human research? How about my opinion after years of practical observation? Would a word from Jesus be better!?

In His well-known Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6), Jesus taught His listeners, “Do not be worried about your life…nor for your body….” He used some common knowledge to illustrate the futility of worry.

First, the birds do not work like people do. They do not sow seeds then later reap grain and then store it in barns. However, God feeds them. Then He said, “Are you not worth much more than they?” His point was that God thinks you are more valuable than birds, yet he feeds the birds without making them work like humans. Jesus started His illustration, “Look at the birds of the air.” I think He wanted His listeners (readers) to actually go outside and look at the birds and then think about what He had said. There is no reason to worry about food.

Second, flowers do not work like people do. They do not go to work and make cloth that will later be made into clothing. Then Jesus compared the ‘clothing’ of flowers to the clothing of King Solomon, the wealthiest of all the kings. He concluded that the flowers are clothed far more beautifully than Solomon and all His royal clothing. And the flowers? They are alive one day and then the next day dead and dried out ready for the fire. Jesus then asked, “if God so clothes the grass of the field…will He not much more clothe you?” Jesus started His illustration, “Observe how the lilies of the field grow.” I think He wanted His listeners (readers) to actually go outside and look at some flowers and then think about what He had said. There is no reason to worry about clothing.

In between the two illustrations Jesus asked whether worry would add an hour to your life. His point: worry produces nothing beneficial.

Jesus then said something about the Gentiles, that is, non-Jews. Those who were not Jews had no covenant relationship with God. They received sunshine and rain like everybody does. But they had no promises from God like the Jews. Jesus said that those who had no covenant with God “eagerly seek all these things.” In other words, they give their attention to securing food and clothing. That is central to their existence in the world, filling their basic needs.

In comparison, Jesus said that God knows that people need these things and you are people who are in a covenant relationship with God. Remember! You are more valuable than birds; you are more valuable than flowers. God takes care of them, and He will take care of you. So, instead of being anxious about your basic needs of life, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

It is at this point that I have heard many people explain, justify or rationalize their worry, “You just don’t understand.” Did you think that? Did you think, “Hey, the guy writing this blog doesn’t understand.” You’re probably right. And if that is what you are thinking, think again; only address your thoughts toward God. Is that how you want to address God, “You don’t understand”?

This is what God understands. There is something more important than life itself: the kingdom of God. If you are a part of the kingdom of God, you possess promises from God. You have been promised the Holy Spirit who enables you to fulfill God’s expectations while on earth. You possess the promise of life after death. You possess the promise of eternal life. That makes your concerns over food and clothing pale in comparison.

Do you know the root cause of worry for the Christian? Jesus said it, “You of little faith.” A person who has complete confidence in God has no reason to worry. That person will find contentment with God’s provisions while keeping his eyes focused on eternal life. Until that day, he will keep his feet walking on the path of righteousness.

Mark Stinnett

October 25, 2026