This is one of the most repeated phrases by Jesus in the Bible – “Do not fear” or some variation. But so many of us worry, and worry and worry. I decided long ago as a child when I had to have a tooth pulled that worry was useless. What good did it do to torture myself with worry when either way I STILL had to have that tooth pulled. Might as well not think about it until it was actually happening.

That’s not to say I never worry, but I try not to let it take a front seat and mess up my day. But there are members of my family who truly paralyze themselves with worry, letting it destroy their life. And there are so many things you could worry about — and they do. What quality of life is that? I pray to you Lord to release them from their worry.

Here is one of my favorite Gospel passages about worry from Matthew, Chapter 6, that provides me with infinite comfort:

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat?’ or What shall we drink?’ or What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.”

34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.”

If only we can put our trust in God, we can release all worry. “Do not be anxious about tomorrow.” Yes!

Another good read for worriers: “The Worrier’s Guide to the Bible” by Gary Zimak.

Today I thought I’d share thus far my favorite Bible verse that I’ve come across. While the Bible isn’t new to me, knowing it intimately and well is and I feel like I’m discovering it for the first time.

We all have a passage or two that speaks to us and this is one that has spoken loudly to me when I’ve come across it in reading and in Mass. It provides me with a sense of comfort, calm and peace and reminds me THIS is the right path.

The verse is spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 11, Verses 28-30:

“Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

We all carry heavy burdens in life. Don’t we want a way to rest, to allow someone to take the load for a little bit? My favorite is the last sentence which I repeat to myself in times of worry, in times of noise and in times of uncertainty. It is so very calming. I find myself declaring, “Yessss….!!!”

“Gentle” and “lowly” also stand out to me as key words. Humility is something I am working on and this is a reminder, and I love the thought of “gentle” Jesus. It makes Him seem so approachable.

How does this verse speak to you? What is your favorite Bible verse? Thanks for reading today and sharing your thoughts!