“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).

Worry isn’t healthy. Dr. Charles Mayo, of Mayo Clinic, said, “Worry affects the circulation, the heart, the glands, the whole nervous system. I have never known a man who died from overwork, but many who died from doubt.”

The Greek word Jesus used that we translate “worry” describes a mind that is pulled in different directions. It goes something like, “I know God can, but maybe He won’t.” One of the problems with worry is that it drives us to seek our security through our own efforts apart from God. It not only affects our physical health; it undermines our spiritual strength. Corrie ten Boom said it well. “Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow: it empties today of its strength.”

There are solutions to worry, though, and the list begins with our heavenly Father knowing what we need. That is comforting in itself. Jesus also told us what we can do to overcome worry. Make seeking God’s kingdom our top priority. Then He adds a subtle suggestion. Seek “His righteousness.” So much of our lives can be spent seeking our own righteousness, but the keys to worry-free living are seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness.

His righteousness is a gift that comes through faith. It isn’t earned and we could never deserve it. If God is in charge, and He is, and His righteousness is a gift, then relying on those truths is the perfect antidote to worry. Instead of being torn in different directions, my mind can rest in His power and His righteousness. There is a simple response to that. “Thank You, God.”