When You’re Tired of Carrying Tomorrow - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 29
When You’re Tired of Carrying Tomorrow
By Sarah Frazer
Bible Reading:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34
Walking down a crowded street, gazing across a stadium filled with cheering fans, or even standing among a group of believers raising their hands in praise, we often don’t think of the burdens everyone carries. Jesus, in his ministry here on earth didn’t see the masses, He saw the person. When the crowds would gather at the feet of Jesus, begging for help, Jesus looked and touched each one. The healing didn’t happen in masses, but individually. He did not stand on a stage and declare the Words of God. He reached out and looked deep inside our souls to show us the truth of God’s love for each of us. He helps carry our burdens personally.
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus talks about blessedness, prayer, and money. As he spoke to the crowds, did he see the worry, the stress, and the fatigue of each person? In the middle of His sermon, He says to them, “Don’t worry.” This phrase means to not be anxious or take on the cares of something.
Although the idea carries with it a command, Jesus is not saying “try harder.” Instead, He invited them (and us) to let go. The birds and the flowers, which Jesus gives as examples here, are not trying harder not to worry - they just don’t. They don’t work harder at gathering food. They work less. The flowers and birds were created by a loving God who meets all of their needs.
Worry is about letting go.
Because of God’s loving care for us, we have the peace we need to let go of tomorrow's cares. We do not have to carry it any longer. Jesus will later say in Matthew 11:28-30 to lay down our burdens and find rest, true rest, in Him. Anxiety comes from a heart that spends its time overthinking. In a world and age that is consumed with knowledge, we have bought into the lie that more knowledge means more control. And more control means safety.
The birds and the flowers don’t control nature, and you and I know we sometimes cannot control the circumstances of our lives. In Matthew 6 Jesus is specifically talking about possessions, money, and treasure. Our treasure is what our heart holds dear. Control can sometimes become our treasure. If we try to control our life, keep it in check, we will only be anxious about tomorrow.
We are heavy and weary from carrying tomorrow’s questions. In the end, it is fear and not trust that keeps us from finding peace today. Paul uses the same word for anxious in Philippians 4:6. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Paul offers us a different path. Instead of worry or control, he invites us to prayer and praise. Carrying tomorrow’s worry not only clouds our view but keeps us from connecting with God. Jesus never promised that tomorrow would be trouble-free. In fact, He acknowledged that each day carries enough burdens of its own. But He also reminds us that we were never meant to carry tomorrow before it arrives. Worry pulls us out of the present moment and places us into an imaginary future where fear often goes unchecked. Prayer, however, brings us back to the presence of God.
Look at the birds today. Remember that they depend on the care of their Creator without worry. The flowers bloom without a thought of concern. We, too, can trust our Creator, who loves us deeply. In fact, Jesus says in Luke that we are worth more than any other created being. God invites us to trust Him, and in our prayers, asking God to work, we find peace. God already knows what tomorrow holds, and He holds tomorrow. It isn’t ours to carry anymore.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you live in fear of the future? All of the what-ifs are out of our control, but they are safe in the loving, sovereign hands of our Savior. Jesus died on the cross, securing our eternal home. We can trust Him with our tomorrows.
Our tomorrows might be filled with sorrow, and today you might be facing a daily trial that you wish you could wake up tomorrow and it would be over. Tomorrow might come with hardship and pain. Take Paul’s advice and go to God in prayer. Trust that God’s grace will be sufficient for each day. More than that, we know our God says we do not carry our sorrows alone. What burden are you carrying today that God never asked you to hold alone? Take that worry to Him in prayer.
Further Reading:
Psalm 55:22
Lamentations 3:22-23
Philippians 4:6-7
1 Peter 5:7
Exodus 16:18-21
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Marcos Calvo
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Listen to The Love Offering!
Encouraging you to love God, others, and yourself—one faithful step at a time.
Each week, host Rachael Adams sits down with inspiring women who are making a difference right where they are. Through honest conversations, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories, you'll be reminded that your everyday acts of love—no matter how small—matter deeply to God.
You were created to live a life of impact.
You were made to be a love offering.
