December 14th – Matthew 6:25-34
Spend some time meditating on how to eliminate anxiety. Then, come back and read the commentary, my verse, and my response to God.
- Request God’s help.
- Read Matthew 6:25-34
- Record a verse that stands out to you.
- Respond to God.
When finished, read the commentary if you have time.
The opening statement, “For this reason,” makes us look back to the previous verses where Jesus talked about idolatry. You cannot serve money (or anything else) and serve God. You must choose. Faith or fear. Peace or panic. Trust or terror. Whether or not you trust God, He will supply all your needs. The difference is within. Your heart and mind will be at peace if you trust God to provide.
In contrast, worry springs up from a heart that doesn’t trust God, but it doesn’t produce anything at all. But the reality is that God always knows what we need and provides. What we need is Jesus, and Jesus is all we need for life and godliness.
Likewise, in verse twenty-six, Jesus points to the birds of the air and how God always provides for them. He said, “Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:26b NIV). However, Jesus is the bread of life, the living water, and the Lamb of God. Some physical needs may go unmet on this side of Heaven due to sin and corruption. But Jesus is all we need in this life and the next.
How do you reconcile famine and war with Jesus’ promise to meet our needs?
My Verse: Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
My Response: Seek first. Jesus doesn’t say not to seek food and clothing but rather not to worry about them. Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, and all these things will also be given to you. I do need to work. I do need to prepare. But I don’t need to worry.
During the many years of walking with God, I have discovered that prayer and time alone with Him have kept my mind in perfect peace. Also, when I sit with Jesus and reminisce about all He has done and how He has provided over my lifetime, I am moved to tears. My heart goes to a place of gratitude, and worry is blown away like smoke on a windy day.
Lord, thank You for reminding me not to worry about provisions. Jesus is all I need for eternity, yet You know I need food, clothing, and much more for my physical body. Thank you for offering me Your righteousness and a home in Your Kingdom. That is our secure inheritance, AND You will provide for us while we live on this side of eternity. Amen.
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Matthew 6:32 “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”
Father, show me. What dominates my thoughts? If I am consumed by worry, then what does that say about my trust in You? I am so very, very thankful that you are not a “distant deity” but instead my good, good Abba-Father who knows my needs and cares for little me. Thank You!!