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 love this portion of Matthew chapter 6. In fact, one of the first verses I ever memorized is verse 33. The sermon on the mound is full of good orderly direction, but I believe that it all boils down to this verse. But let’s break it all down so that we can get a good look at what’s honestly being said. In verse 25, Jesus asks HIS listeners, “Why do you worry?” I believe the question comes from a deep trust in GOD. If anyone knew who was in control, it would be the son of GOD. So, HIS question was brought out to bring home a point. Matthew chapter 6 is not the only place in the bible worry I brought to the table for discussion. Philippians 4:6-7 is another one that comes to mind. So let’s look at the instructions we get from Jesus Christ HIMSELF. Matthew 6:31 is where it starts. 4 simple words… Therefore, do not worry. HE goes on to speak about a few things that people worry about, and I’m sure that without thinking, we could come up with a few of our own to add to it. Verse 32 kind of drives the point home. All this stuff that the worry about GOD knows what you need. Now I’m just going to be honest. Verse 33 has got to be in my top 10 favorite verses in the bible. I believe it sets me free and gives me direction at the same time. Seek first the kingdom of heaven. “BAM!!!” Right there, that’s the priority in all of life. Seeking after GOD and what HE wants. The instruction book says if we do that, all the stuff we worry about will be taken care of. Verse 34 wraps it all up. Tomorrow isn’t here, and yesterday is gone. Stay focused on GOD. HE is in control.
Application:
Stress and worry used to rule my life, and if I’m going to be honest at times, they still try to creep back in. If you think about it. Worry and anxiety are really a lack of trust for the one who created you. HE knows what you need, and HE knows how to get you there, and honestly, all HE wants is for you to focus on HIM. Chase after GOD like HE is all that matters, and HE will provide all you need. I used to over-focus on things that didn’t matter. I trusted what I could do and always came up short. When I relinquished control to the Father and sought after HIS will and not my own, my life got not only easier but better. I discovered that HE had a plan for me, and it was way better than anything I was worried about. My life is not my own. One example I see in the bible of what Worry does and how it negatively affects our lives is when Peter got out of the boat. If he had kept his focus on Jesus, he would not have sunk… but he decided to worry about the storm. GOD’S will for him was to walk on water and he did… for a minute… but then worry took over, and things went south. I may not be the best businessman. However, if there is one thing I get reprimanded for when I get to heaven, I want it to be for trusting GOD too much. HE is what matters… the work will get done no matter what. But I am not going to chase after the work or the money or the house or the clothes… The only thing I want to seek is the kingdom. That is my priority, and that’s what I will chase.
Prayer:
Father, help us to stay focused on you. We know that we can not be trained to do so if something else is not trying to steal our attention. So we ask that when those things arise that you bring to our mind that it’s a distraction and help us to see that you are our open door. All we want is you. We know that you are all and are in all. Help us to trust and follow, not chasing after fame or money trying to make a name for ourselves when only one name matters. You are YAHWAH, my GOD and Father. Without you, I am going to sink it’s not about me and what I can do it’s about you and what you have already done. We know that when we focus on you, our life’s needs are met because you are everything. Nothing was made that you did not have a had in. GOD, you are good, and we love you and trust you write your word upon our hearts so that we will know when our focus is getting distorted. We cast all our anxiety and worry on you right now knowing that if we have big problems, we have a small GOD, but you are not small by any means and we trust you with all our problems. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.