February 23, 2026
Theme: The Things That Worry Us
Today’s Scripture: Matthew 6:25–34
Scripture: “Do not worry about your life… strive first for the kingdom of God and
God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do
not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s
trouble is enough for today.” - Matthew
6:25–34
Thought: Jesus speaks directly to the anxieties that live in our bodies and
follow us though our days. Worry can become an idol whether we have much or
very little. Poor people idolize what they don’t have, and rich people idolize
what they do have. But our lives are held by God’s care rather than our
striving. Trusting God means refusing to believe survival rests only on our
shoulders. A life rooted in God’s righteousness moves with purpose, responds to
real problems, and is assured that we are loved and provided for. Today’s
burdens are enough. Tomorrow belongs to God.
Prayer: God of tenderness and truth, quiet the worries that crowd our minds and
tightens our hearts. Teach us to trust your care more than our fear. Help us to
seek you first, walk in your righteousness. Amen.
Positive Practice: Pause three times today, inhale “God cares for me” and
exhale one specific worry and release it into God’s hands.
Lenten Emphasis - Heart Health for African Americans: Protecting your heart through
hydration, rest, or reduced salt is both spiritual stewardship and sacred
resistance.
Mission Emphasis - HBCUs: HBCUs nurture faith, scholarship, and
community leadership. Mentor or give to an HBCU student to invest in a future
that trusts God’s ongoing provision.