Matthew 6:25-34
Key Verse: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)
Have you ever had a hard time falling asleep at night because you just had too much on your mind? Maybe it was about some financial uncertainty that you were experiencing or a challenge you were facing at work. Perhaps it was related to a personal relationship that had gone sideways or had to do with an important decision that you had to make.
Corrie Ten Boom once wrote, ““Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” One of the problems with worry is that it can easily drain our energy and suck our joy, as we carry the weight of all the concerns and anxieties that are before us.
In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that even amid the trials and troubles that we will face, we don’t need to worry. On three separate occasions in verses 25-34, He says to us plainly, “Don’t worry.” But is it that simple? With all the uncertainty and instability that is around us, how is it possible to live in such a way that we are free from the burden of worry in our daily lives? It seems to be a little easier said than done, don’t you think?
Jesus tells us that the antidote to worry is not about trying harder. Rather it’s rooted in trusting in the character of God and His promises to us. To help us understand why we don’t need to be burdened with worry, Jesus tells us to consider the birds of the sky. “They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (v.26).
Jesus is making an argument from lesser to greater. One of the reasons we don’t need to worry is because of the great value that God places on us. If God will provide day after day for a bird, which holds lesser value to Him, how much more will He take care of you and meet all your needs as one of His children. You are of greater value and worth to Him!
Similarly, Jesus also tells us to look at the flowers of the field. They are adorned with such splendor and beauty even though they are only here for a short season. If God does all that for insignificant and short-lived things like flowers, “won’t he do much more for you – you of little faith?” (v.30).
Rather than worrying, Jesus tells us instead to make something else our primary concern. He says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (v.33). Focus your attention on pursuing God’s mission here on earth. Spend your energy on becoming more like Jesus. This should be your primary concern. God will take care of the rest.
But if the waves of worry begin to crash over us again, how should we handle it? Our greatest weapon is found in prayer. Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). God promises a supernatural peace that supersedes any worry or stress we may be experiencing.
What are the things that are causing worry and stress in your life right now? Take whatever it is to the Lord and surrender it to Him. Cast your anxieties upon Him, knowing that He cares for you. God knows the things you don’t. He knows what you need. He knows what’s in your future. He has promised to provide. His grace and power are more than sufficient. He’s got it all under control and He’s not worried a single bit. So put your trust in Him today!
Prayer: God, in faith and obedience I choose to cast my worries upon you today. As one of your children, I know that you will provide for my every need. Where faith is lacking, help me to trust you. Thank you for that you are always completely in control. Amen.
