Do Not Look For Trouble Poem

This poem encourages us to let go of worry and trust God’s provision.

Do not trouble trouble till trouble troubles you

Updated January 24, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer

Life brings enough challenges on its own, yet we often make things heavier by worrying about what may never happen. In the poem Do Not Look For Trouble, Mark G. Pearse gently reminds us that peace grows when we stop searching for problems and begin trusting God’s care. His words encourage us to live fully in today instead of borrowing concern from tomorrow.

As you read this poem, notice how the simple images of birds and flowers offer quiet reassurance. They point us toward faith rather than fear and patience rather than anxiety. Pearse’s message invites us to release needless worry, trust in God’s provision, and enjoy the calm that comes from letting go.

Do Not Look For Trouble

Poet: Mark G. Pearse

Do not trouble trouble
Till trouble troubles you.
Do not look for trouble;
Let trouble look for you.
Do not borrow sorrow;
You'll surely have your share.
He who dreams of sorrow
Will find that sorrow's there.

Do not hurry worry
By worrying lest it come.
To flurry is to worry;
'Twill miss you if you're mum.
If care you've got to carry,
Wait till it's at the door;
For he who runs to meet it
Takes up the load before.

If minding- will not mend it,
Then better not to mind;
The best thing- is to end it —
Just leave it all behind.
Who feareth hath forsaken
The heavenly Father's side;
What He hath undertaken
He surely will provide.

The very birds reprove thee,
With all their happy song;
The very flowers teach thee,
That fretting is a wrong.
"Cheer up!" the sparrow chirpeth;
"Thy Father feedeth me;
Think how much more he careth,
O lonely child, for thee!"

"Fear not," the flowers whisper;
"Since thus he hath arrayed
The buttercups and daisy,
How canst thou be afraid?"
Then do not trouble trouble
Till trouble troubles you;
You'll only trouble trouble,
And trouble others, too.

Key Messages in this poem:

  • Trust in God’s Care

    Instead of letting fear take over, remember that God’s love and provision are always there to guide and support you, just as He cares for the birds and flowers.

  • Don’t Borrow Tomorrow’s Troubles

    Worrying about what hasn’t happened only adds unnecessary weight to today; focus on living in the moment and trust that tomorrow will take care of itself.

  • Let Go and Find Peace

    Fretting solves nothing. By releasing your worries and embracing faith, you can find a peace that allows you to enjoy life’s blessings fully.


Conclusion

Worry can feel like it is trying to help us prepare, but it often steals our calm. This poem reminds us not to go looking for trouble or to carry concerns before they arrive. When we trust God with what we cannot control, our hearts can rest.

Let the lesson of the birds and flowers stay with you. They do not panic about tomorrow, yet they are cared for. We can choose that same trust today. Step by step, we can release fear, live in the present, and welcome the peace God offers.

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