Scripture:
Matthew 6:31-34 NKJV
[31] “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For after all these things, the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. [34] Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Observation:
I know I talk a lot about my favorite verse and how the one that the Holy Spirit has chosen that morning has a special stop in my heart. Honestly, it’s because once I found the bible, I had no need for any other book. It’s my road map for life. I have had the privilege and honor of reading it through several times. I don’t need any other book. Matthew chapter 6 is part of a very important moment in not only the life of Jesus Christ but also those who had the opportunity to sit under HIS teaching that day. I can’t help but think about how amazing that moment must have been to sit and soak up the instructions to life given by the savior of the world. Here in verse 31 of chapter 6, HE tells us something very important… ” Therefore do not worry, saying what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? I would love to be able to give you some kind of profound meaning to what’s being said here, but honestly, it’s pretty simple and really needs no explanation. The instructions are pretty clear. Just don’t worry. It’s pretty simple, right? But HE goes on in verse 32 by saying… ” For after all these things, the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. HE puts us in a category that is separate from others by saying our heavenly Father knows that we need these things and calling those who worry about them Gentiles. I believe what that does is draw a line between believers and Gentiles. Those who trust GOD and those who don’t. HE tells us that GOD knows that we need these things. The question is not do we need HIM, but do we trust that HE will provide them because HE knows that they are needed? Our focus on life is in verse 33… “But seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” What are these things that will be added to us if we seek the kingdom first? Well, I short-listed what has been provided, but I don’t believe that list is exhaustive. I believe it’s a rough flyover at the 30 thousand ft level. Only an example of some of the things that people worry about. When their attention should be on the provider, not the provided. I’m kind of getting into the application here, so let’s get back to verse 34, where Jesus goes right back to HIS point… therefore, don’t worry, period GOD’S got you sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Application:
I would like to say that this is a strong point for me… and honestly, SOMETIMES it is. However, there are times when I forget who is in control and how much HE truly loves me. Times when I think it’s all up to me and worrying about stuff that my father knows I need will change things. Honestly, seeking HIM is the priority of life. HE knows what is needed in my life, and worrying is saying I don’t trust that HE will provide for those things. My question is this, and be honest. Do you worry? I think we all do at times. But GOD has given us instructions not to not only here but also in the Philippines. Chapter 4, verses 6-7 HE tells us to be anxious about nothing but in everything through prayer and supplication, making your request known to GOD and the peace of GOD will guard our hearts in Christ Jesus. That verse gives GOD HIS rightful power. HE is the one in control, and worry is a lack of trust. HE owns the cattle on a thousand hills… HE can provide for your every need. You either trust that HE will or you don’t. Here is the thing the enemy wants you to believe that GOD has forgotten about you or that HE is not going to provide for you in your time of need. But that’s just not the truth. Seek HIM in all things. HE will provide for all your needs according to HIS riches and glory. The point is this… if you put GOD first in your life, HE will make you HIS number one priority. Seek first HIS kingdom and HIS kingdom will be your limits… which means your limits are limitless. Chase after GOD period… first and foremost. Nothing else matters anyway. Without HIM, it’s all going to burn. All those things you worry about obtaining will rust and gather dust and burn. The only thing that will survive is what you do for HIS kingdom. Your clothes, your car, your house, the food you have stored up in your bank account, and all of it will burn. The only thing you need is GOD, and honestly, you don’t realize that until HE is all you have. I have to tell you about a time I’m my life when known where I was going to sleep, or if I was going to sleep. Was an issue. When you are homeless, you have no choice but to rely on GOD for everything. HE always fed me and clothed me, HE never left me without at least my daily needs. There was always a soup kitchen or a kind soul that would feed me and a Salvation Army that would provide clothes if I needed them. In those moments, GOD was all I had, and HE took care of my needs. Those days grew my trust in HIM, and today, when I get to a place where I think I have to worry, I remember back to those days and think HE provided then, why would HE not provide now? It may be at the last moment, but if you trust in the LORD. HE will always come through. The enemy wants you to doubt that he wants you to question and worry. But if HE did it before, HE will do it again. Just trust HIM HE will come through.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you are in control and you know just what we need. We want you. We want your kingdom. You are the provider of all things. Help us to seek after you first and foremost. Because when we keep our eyes fixed on you, the storms of life seem to have no effect. The wind blows, and the rain falls, but our house is not shaken. Its foundation is on the rock. We want more of you and less of us. Keep our hearts steadfast on what you want from us. We want to steadily be moving towards you seeking after your righteousness and your kingdom. We know that you will provide the things we need, such as food clothes, work a roof over our heads. Our responsibility is to seek you first. You are the most important aspect of our lives. You provide each breath, and without that, we have no life. You are in control, and you know our needs. We trust in you and know that you will provide. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.