Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Matthew 6:31-34 (ESV)
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. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Need an antidote for worry? Jesus gave us a powerful remedy for an anxious thought life. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught about heart issues and what really matters in the Kingdom of God. As he preached on the hillside near Capernaum, Jesus taught that being his disciple meant putting God first in every area of their lives (and ours) and learning to live out God’s character daily. This Includes our thought life!
Our thought life can be a breeding ground for worry and distraction which is sneaky territory for the enemy if we are not careful. Worrying takes our eyes off of God and His provision. Verse 32 reminds believers that we are set apart from the world and we don’t have to live dominated by worry. Our Heavenly Father knows our every need–the big stuff and the little stuff. God is our provider, and He cares for every detail of our life. We can trust God with our most basic physical needs to the most complicated burden of our heart.
When we stop worrying about life and trust God instead, we are able to put our focus back on God’s Kingdom and God’s Character. Philippians 4:6-7 explains that we don’t have to worry about anything but instead, “by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we change our worry into prayer the most amazing thing happens. We experience God’s protective peace!
Want a worry free thought-life? Seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness! Jesus has led the way in both, but sometimes as Christians we forget to follow. Perhaps you are like me and struggle to keep worry at bay. This is a challenge for us! The mind is a great battlefront that requires constant waging and intentionality to take every thought (including our worries) captive to obey Christ (1Corinthians 10:5). The enemy will use anything to take our eyes off God.
What is weighing on your heart today? Seek God first in your thought life. Pray and tell God what is on your heart today. Feed on the nourishment and joy found in God’s Word. Bask in His protective peace and let your Heavenly Father take care of your today and your tomorrow.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, teach me to seek you first in every area of my life. Keep me focused on Your Kingdom and Your character that I may bring glory to You. Thank you for providing for me every single day. Teach me to seek you in prayer when worried thoughts distract me, and protect my heart with your peace instead. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
1 John 4:4
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.