May 12. Useless Worries
J.R. Miller teaches that worrying is futile and unproductive, urging believers to trust God rather than waste energy on useless anxieties.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller addresses the futility of worry and anxiety. Using practical examples and biblical insight from Matthew 6:27, he encourages believers to recognize that worrying does not change circumstances or improve life. Miller calls Christians to place their trust in God rather than be consumed by useless fears and fretting.
Text
"Who of you by worrying, can add a single cubit to his height?" Matthew 6:27
So it is useless to worry! A short person cannot, by any amount of anxiety, make himself an inch taller. Why, therefore, should he waste his energy and fret his life away — in wishing he were taller?
One worries because he is too short — another because he is too tall;
one because he too lean — another because he is too fat;
one because he has a lame foot — another because he has a mole on his face.
No amount of fretting will change any of these things!
People worry, too, over their circumstances. They are poor, and have to work hard. They have troubles, losses, and disappointments which come through causes entirely beyond their own control. They find difficulties in their environment which they cannot surmount. There are hard conditions in their lot which they cannot change.
Now why should they worry about these things? Will worrying make matters any better? Will discontent . . .
cure the blind eye, or
remove the ugly mole, or
give health to the infirm body?
Will chafing make . . .
the hard work, lighter;
or the burdens, easier;
or the troubles, fewer?
Will anxiety . . .
keep the winter away, or
keep the storm from rising, or
put coal in the cellar, or
put bread in the pantry, or
get clothes for the children?
Even human reason shows the uselessness of worrying, since it helps nothing, and only wastes one\
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Worry cannot change physical realities
- Examples of futile worries about appearance and health
- Worry wastes energy without producing results
-
II
- Worrying about circumstances beyond control is pointless
- Difficulties and hardships cannot be removed by anxiety
- Human reason confirms the uselessness of worry
-
III
- Worry does not improve conditions or provide solutions
- Anxiety cannot prevent natural events or supply needs
- Believers should rely on God rather than fret
Key Quotes
“Who of you by worrying, can add a single cubit to his height?” — J.R. Miller
“No amount of fretting will change any of these things!” — J.R. Miller
“Even human reason shows the uselessness of worrying, since it helps nothing, and only wastes one’s energy.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Recognize that worry does not solve problems and choose to trust God instead.
- Avoid wasting energy on fretting about things beyond your control.
- Focus on faith and reliance on God to find peace amid difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the sermon say about the effectiveness of worry?
The sermon teaches that worry is ineffective and cannot change any circumstance or condition.
Why do people worry according to J.R. Miller?
People worry because of dissatisfaction with their physical traits or difficult life circumstances.
What biblical passage is central to the sermon?
Matthew 6:27 is central, highlighting that worry cannot add a single cubit to one's height.
How should believers respond to anxiety and worry?
Believers should trust God and avoid wasting energy on useless fretting.
Does worry help solve problems?
No, worry only wastes energy and does not provide solutions or relief.