Tribe Middle School

Verse: Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Hakuna matata! Remember that phrase? It comes from the Swahili people of Africa and literally means, “no worries”. It’s often used like the English phrase, “no problem.”

Of course you probably know it because Timon and Pumbaa sing to a young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King. The young lion cub is in a self-imposed exile because of the death of his father, for which he thinks he is responsible. Simba is sad and depressed until he meets the lively meerkat and warthog duo who encourage him to forget his troubled past and live a life of “no worries.” Who would’ve ever thought that when we sang along with this song, we were actually learning a very biblical idea?

Read Matthew 6:25-34. It’s human nature to worry. We humans worry about everything. Do people like us? Are we cool? Do we listen to the right music? Is it global warming destroying our planet? Am I ever going to get out of my parent’s house? The list is never ending.

However, Jesus tells us not to worry. God takes care of all of his creation. He makes sure birds have enough to eat, and He dresses flowers more beautifully than the riches king. So why shouldn’t you think He’ll do the same for you? Basically, Jesus it trying to get you to understand that you can’t control tomorrow. While you can certainly plan and prepare for the future, no amount of worrying is going to change it. You can sit around and be anxious about it all you want, but that won’t make any difference.

So, what should you do instead? Seek after God. That’s the way to live. Discover what important to Him and what would have you do. He’ll take care of the rest.

Hakuna matata Christianity? Try it… You just might find yourself looking at your faith in a whole new way.

Reflect: (Write down on a Journal or Paper)

1. What are some things that you are really worried about right now? What do you need to do to let God have control of them?

2. Why is it so difficult not to worry about the future?

3. In what ways are you currently seeking after God?

4. Write a prayer to God about your worries. Tell Him about them. Tell Him why you’re worried. Ask Him to take full control over these areas of your life.