THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER -- SPRING 2026

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life….saying ‘what shall we eat…or drink…or wear?’ For your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things  will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow…sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” 

          We read this passage in Matthew 6 and also in Luke 12. They say the same thing- do not worry over your life and your future. Put God first and He will supply all you need. Seek Him Above Everything!
          Jesus tells us not to worry about what we wear, or having enough to eat. In other words, don’t fret over our basic needs. He is in control and knows what we need. When our focus is upon Him there is no need to be anxious.

          Worry is tormenting ONESELF with disturbing thoughts. Why in the world would we do that? Yet I often find myself falling into the trap of worry. I have to constantly remind myself that worry and  anxiety are based in fear, and fear is not from God! When Jesus tells us not to worry, it is because He has the answer to those anxious thoughts. In fact, He IS the answer.

          Our humanity craves more and more things- well beyond our basic needs. Our soul craves one thing- more of God. We are born with a desire to commune with our creator, to have a close relationship with Him. Jesus is telling us in these verses to follow our souls craving for the kingdom of God. 

So what can we do when worry hits our mind? We must change our focus. Put God first in everything, devour His Word-the bread of life. Allow the living water of His Spirit to flood your mind with peace. Change your thoughts! Think about His promises.

          Philippians 4:6 says “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” and verse 7 goes on to say that God’s peace will then cover our heart and mind…when we praise God and thank Him for hearing us.
          This must be a daily thing, not just a Sunday at church type of prayer. Part of the Lord’s Prayer is ‘give us this day our daily bread.’ Lord, give me what I need physically and spiritually to survive today. I’m not going to anxiously worry about the future because I know Jesus will direct my way.
          Someone once said ‘you cannot be thankful and anxious at the same time.’ Very true! When anxious thoughts try to overtake my mind, I can change those thoughts into Thanksgiving to the Lord.
          Get up everyday with this on your lips “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” THIS day!

          I have also learned that much of what I put off as anxiousness is actually a Call to Prayer. If you cannot get a person or situation out of your thoughts, try praying. Pray for peace, wisdom, protection, comfort, whatever comes to mind. Learn to be sensitive to God’s nudge to prayer. Many times we will never know who or what we are praying for but just know that there was a need and God trusted that you would answer the call for prayer, even when the reason is unknown.

          Proverbs 12:25 says “worry weighs a person down, an encouraging word cheers a person up.” 

          You can cheer yourself up! Giving someone else the encouragement you need does wonders for you! Some of my most favorite people are those who spread encouragement and cheer wherever they go. Their life is not all good times but they have learned the secret to overcoming worry. Put your thoughts on the Lord. Seek Him first above everything and He will supply all you need.