Our scripture this morning is Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT).
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
My daughter and I are doing an online study of the Sermon on the Mount through The Bible Project (BibleProject.com). I highly recommend it. This has led us to some interesting discussion about Christ’s instructions for our lives and relationships. In this passage Jesus warns us about being overly concerned about earthly things which can distract us from the eternal gift God has for us.
He reminds us that by worrying we only wear ourselves out and accomplish little. Part of our ongoing problem is that we often want things we don’t have. God already knows our needs and when we are connected to Him we can release our worries in exchange for the peace only He can provide.
Jesus invites us to live in the present with hope for the future, turning our concerns over to a loving God who wants the best for us. He teaches us “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” We find peace in what our savior has done for us and go to share His love with everyone.
Gracious God, we are sorry for the worry that sometimes paralyzes us, keeping us from doing Your work and Your will. Mend us and send us to tell the Good News to the world. Amen.
