What does the Bible mean when it says that we shouldn't think about the future? (I seem to remember the phrase "Take no thought for tomorrow" or something like that from my Sunday school days.) Does this mean we shouldn't plan ahead or save money for our retirement, or things like that? — A.W.

No, this is not what it means. In fact, the Bible urges us to be careful in planning our lives and to save for the future. It says, "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps" (Proverbs 14:15).

Perhaps you are thinking of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow" (Matthew 6:34, KJV). But that is an older translation, and over the years our English language has changed; the phrase "take no thought" no longer means what it once did. Most modern translations of the Bible put it like this: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow" (NIV).

In other words, Jesus wasn't telling us not to plan ahead. Instead, He was telling us not to worry about the things of this life and become preoccupied with them. We are to put Christ first instead of things and learn to trust God for our daily needs.

Is this possible? Yes! When we come to Christ, we become His children, and we are never outside of His care. Once we understand how much He loves us, our worries will begin to fade. The Bible says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Are you learning to turn your worries over to Christ?