It was 9pm and we were still waiting. My son had tried out for a spring sports team and notifications were promised by the end of the day. I sat alone in our living room with all the lights turned off. I checked my email one more time. Nothing. I never knew youth sports tryouts could cause so much anxiety.

We eventually found out our youngest son made the practice team. Though thankful for the spot, he was devastated to have missed making the full roster. When we gave him the news, he collapsed into my lap in tears. In that moment I would have done anything to ease his disappointment and heartbreak.

I’ve repeatedly thought back to that day over the last few months. I’m so proud to have watched my son overcome his disappointment. He worked hard to earn the respect of the players and coaches around him. It also serves as a reminder to him and me that God uses challenges and discomfort to show us that He is present and cares about our every need and desire.

“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? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)

Here Jeus is instructing us not to worry about daily life, pointing to the birds and how He provides for their every need. Jesus reminds us that we are far more important than the birds and that worrying is useless.

After reading this passage I decided to make a list of everyday things I worry about. My list included many things about my kids: their health, spiritual life, grades, and relationships. The list also included my own health, others’ opinions about me, my husband’s job, friendships, and more. My list of everyday worries was rather lengthy. Reviewing my list and dwelling on my concerns caused my heart rate to increase and my breath to quicken. Lord, what am I to do with all these worries?

Thankfully, Jesus answers that questions. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:31-34)

So, what do you do when your daily worries are too much to carry? Seek His Kingdom. In other words, surrender your concerns to God, who already knows exactly what you need. Pray, asking for his help and peace. Entrust your anxiety to the creator of the universe. Stay present in the needs and activities of today, because like verse 34 says, each day has enough worry and trouble of its own.

Now when I think back to that moment when my eight-year-old was hunched over, heartbroken about not making the team, I’m grateful. God provided that momentary trouble to show us that He cares about what matters to us and when the road seems dark, He’s always there with us lighting the way.

Friend, if your list of worries feels crushing, surrender them to Jesus. He already knows your every need and wants to carry your burdens. Trust Him. He never fails.

Looking for more ways to stop worrying, read my previous post From Anxiety to Peace: Learning to Interrupt Anxious Thoughts Through Prayer.