Jesus made it clear we're NOT to worry about the "small stuff." He said,  ²⁵“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Why do you suppose He started with everyday stuff?  Maybe, because starting with the practical, everyday needs of our lives shows us Jesus is concerned with ALL aspects of our lives.  Sometimes we think we can take care of the "small stuff" and we'll call on Jesus for the "big stuff."  Jesus tells us life is MORE than the small stuff.

What's the more? It's much more, actually.  The more Jesus alludes to is eternal life.  Life IS more than food, and our bodies ARE more than clothing.  We were created for big things, great things, so we can't let the small stuff weigh us down with worry, but we do.  What is it that causes you to worry?  Pastor Brad told us yesterday our worries typically break down into three areas:  health, wealth and relationships.  In which of those areas do you worry about small stuff? In all of them? One of them? My tendency is to worry in the area of relationships.  After so many years of trusting Jesus for provision for the physical needs of life, which He has provided through the faithful giving of other believers, I don't worry much about that these days.  But when it comes to relationships, an area that is totally outside of my control, except for how I relate to others, I tend to worry.  My chief worries involve whether people I love and care about, (and actually people I don't even know) know Jesus.  I tend to think in eternal terms about people, so I want everyone to know and love Jesus.  On my better days, I realize that worrying about others' relationships with Jesus isn't helpful, and that praying for them will accomplish far more.  Then at other times, I sit and worry.  Jesus said, "Don't." 

I could say, "Easy for Him to say---He's God!"  That IS what makes it easy for Him to say, AND what makes it easy for us to trust Him.  Since we're talking about hope this month, and since worry short circuits hope, the best way to overcome worry and gain hope is to simply trust Jesus.  Take a moment right now and consider who or what is the source of your everyday worries.  Then pause and give them to Jesus.  He told us to give Him our burdens.  Let's do it.  Then as we go about the day, every time worry starts to enter our minds or hearts, let's pause and give the source over to Jesus again.

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing for our everyday needs--and for all of our other needs as well.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may live with trust in confident in You and give our worries to You that we may live the abundant life You desire for us.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.