Scripture:
Matthew 6:25-33 ESV
[25] “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Observation:
I was prompted to step outside of Proverbs this morning. This passage in Matthew is one of my favorites, with where I’m at today. I just felt like it was appropriate to take a look at. So, let’s get into it. Jesus had really just started the ministry HIS father had given HIM. A large group of people had gathered and were following HIM all over. Knowing that HIS Father had called HIM to teach them. HE had them sit down. So HE could go over some things. Worry and anxiety were some of the things HE had in mind to talk about. HE knew if there was trust for GOD, it would not be a concern. Starting out with… don’t worry about food or clothing. But wait, are those not immediate needs? How can we not worry about those things? As HE goes on, HE explains that if we direct our attention to the things that the Father has created, we see how HE takes care of them. So the question really is, do we trust HIM? As HE continues to point out the things that the LORD has made and how HE provides all that they need… the lilies of the field… the grass… the birds… and so on. HE comes to rest on the aspect of worry and anxiety. HE decides to explain what good it does. Telling us it won’t add any time to our lives. The question is, where do we think we land in the eyes of the LORD? Are we more valuable than they are? The grass is only here for a minute. GOD made us to last a lot longer than birds and grass, and because HE made us HE knows what we need. Again, the question is, do we trust in HIM? Jesus gives us clear instructions on what we should be focusing on. Telling us to focus on the LORD and what HE wants from us, and when we do, HE will take care of all the things that people worry about.
Application:
This passage seemed appropriate for me today. I have a lot on my plate, and honestly, I would love to think that I can handle it, but the truth is… I can’t … I can’t do it… I have never been able to. I’m sure we have heard it said… oh, the LORD won’t give you more than you can handle. Well, I’m going to challenge that saying this morning. I’m brave enough to say HE will give you more than YOU can handle… because HIS desire is for you to trust in HIM. It’s in those times when your plate is heavy that we lean into HIM. So my thought is the LORD won’t give you more than HE can handle. This thing has never been about us. I know we might get confused and think it is. But it’s not. It’s about HIM it always has been. Our job is to chase after HIM to seek what HE wants for us and what exactly is that… well, it’s HIM HE wants to be our focus. HE wants to be the thing we focus on. Living for HIM. So HE will stretch us. HE will push us, and HE will pull us until we get to the point where HE wants us to be. My point is if the only time you look up is when you have more, then you can handle… plan on having a full plate all the time. When you chase after your needs, your needs will never be met because you will always need more. But when you chase after GOD, you will realize HE is all you really need. HE owns the cattle on a thousand hills. If you think HE can’t provide a hamburger and a leather jacket… you are wrong. He loves you, HE thinks about you, and HE sees your struggle, and HE knows your needs. Just look to HIM because you never realize Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.
Prayer:
Father, so often we get caught up in thinking that we are the ones doing all this. We are not… you are. I can be guilty of worry at times, thinking that I am the one who has to do it all, and I am not. You want me to stay focused on you. I can see it all through the Bible. There are so many times when you showed us just look up. There was no way to get away from Egypt, but you made a way. There was no way to get into Jericho, but you made a way, and as we were in the wilderness without food, you provided. When Peter stepped out of the boat, he only started to sink when he took his eyes off you and focused on the storm. I could go on and on with example after example. But the point is you have our attention and we know you will provide. As we make you the most important part of our lives, you will continue to show us how much we mean to you. We trust you, and it’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.