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Way back in 1997, Richard Carlson released a simple and insightful little book called Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. His subtitle was just as piercing: “
…and it’s all small stuff.”
Almost 30 years later, I still think about that book. It reframes the events of my day. I often give unnecessary weight to ordinary moments, and the result is a subtle, low-grade stress that quietly drains my energy. And over time, that stress becomes a habit—a way of living that’s hard to shake.
Carlson was pointing to a mindset shift that takes real practice. And it has two pieces, both essential:
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Choose not to stress over the small events of our days.
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Realize that in the big scheme of things… most of what we deal with actually is small stuff.
That second one is the sticking point. Since we don’t know the future—and small things can sometimes grow into big things—doesn’t our fear make sense?
Jesus thought differently.
In a world where basics were a daily struggle, Jesus spoke perspective. In the Sermon on the Mount, He spoke directly to people who were not stressed about minor inconveniences… but about food, clothing, and shelter.
His message? “Don’t worry. God is in control.”
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God feeds the birds — and you are more important.
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God clothes the flowers — and you are more important.
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God provides shelter — and you are more important.
Seek God’s Kingdom first, Jesus said, and all those other things — the things that feel big to us — will fall into place.
This is the framework that helps me breathe more easily through the stress of my everyday life.
• I don’t need to worry about the small stuff.
Nothing is small to God. He knows every detail — even the number of hairs on my head.
• I don’t need to worry about the “big” stuff either.
The big stuff is small to Him. And He will take care of us because we matter deeply to Him.
• Every day is an invitation to grow in trust.
When I let go of my worries, trust grows. When trust grows, faith grows. And in that faith, I learn again and again that He is good — and that everything is going to be okay.
And when things do not turn out well — because life is still life — I discover that He is there, turning evil toward good purposes. He redeems what looks unredeemable.
Don’t sweat the small stuff only makes sense when we trust our Good Father to always be there when we need Him.
Are there burdens you’re carrying today?
Give them to Him. No burden is too small, and no worry is too big for our good, good Father.
What helps you release everyday worry? I’d love to hear from you.
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