Not OkaySample

Who are the people who relate to your stress? Whether it's sports, school, or family-related stress, there's typically someone who can understand or connect with what you're feeling. Talking with these people about stress is different because they have a frame of reference for our problems. They can ask us specific, meaningful questions instead of just saying, "You'll be fine." When we share our stresses with people who understand them, they help us validate our experiences and give us the space to reframe our thoughts.

In today's reading, you'll see Jesus do something similar. He talked to his followers about their worries and asked them to compare their concerns with parts of nature. He wasn't trying to bypass their feelings, but he was inviting them to begin processing their worries and stresses in a new way. He affirmed their thoughts and perspective of the world and directed them to see how God would provide for them. He recognized just how much they were dealing with and showed them God truly cared for them.

When it comes to our own worries, sometimes we could use a little affirmation, too. Maybe we've lost sight of just how much we can trust God to work things out for our good. When we share our worries with people who can relate, they can help redirect our focus to how Jesus shows us what God is like. With their help, you can remember when you feel worried, Jesus can be trusted.