Can You Trust Him?

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
(Matthew 6:25-34)

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” were the words to a catchy popular tune several years ago. Jesus’ teaching would be more like, “Don’t worry, trust God.” Whether it is food, clothes, or other essentials of life, Jesus points us to the Father as our provider. Nowhere in Scripture is there such a clear direction against worry and toward trust.
These are radical words for our day. Americans, including many Christians, are among the most medicated in history. Millions are given pharmaceutical help to handle anxiety. Realizing that some is helpful and necessary, it is still a sad commentary on our society that we are so given toward worry.
Jesus recognizes our need for provision. He says that our heavenly Father knows our needs. So He points us clearly vertical with one of His most all-encompassing commands: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Go vertical first and the horizontal needs will be provided. Do we trust Him? Whether we are talking about our own physical needs or the needs of a congregation, God will provide if we seek Him first. It is a command and a result that transcends culture and language. It is a truth that shows us how to live according to kingdom principles in the midst of daily life. Do you trust Him enough to seek Him first (command) so that He can take care of everything else you need (promise)?

Listen: Spend a few quiet moments seeking God. Be attentive to whatever He may speak to your heart.

Reflect: How is the Spirit leading you to respond to what you have heard from God?

Confess and Repent: If there is something the Spirit convicts you of, take time to prayerfully confess it. Resolve to turn from it if it is sin, or step toward whatever He is leading you into that you have either neglected or not seen before.

Ask: Grace-filled Father, today I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. I trust You to provide whatever else is needed in life. Forgive me for my worry. According to Your Word, I cast all my anxiety on You because I know that You care for me (1 Peter 5:7). In Jesus’ Name, help me to live a life of faith in Your ability to do what You have said You will do.

Live:

  • Make a list of all the things, people and situations that give you anxiety. Give them to the Father one by one and ask Him to take your worry upon Himself. It will be a process of letting go, but as you seek the One who can carry your burdens, entering into His kingdom and His righteousness, watch Him release you from anxiety and lead you into a deeper trust.
  • Who are you praying for today that has a specific need? God desires His people to be willing to be the answer to the prayers they
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    pray if He leads them into that experience. Consider those you are praying for and ask God to show you if you are to meet a need for one of them. It could involve paying someone else’s light bill, or offering to watch a child for a single mother, or mowing the lawn for an elderly neighbor. It might involve going on a mission trip to help dig a well or feed the hungry in a nation God has placed upon your heart.
  • Choose a nation or an unreached, unengaged people group and seek God on their behalf. Educate yourself about their needs and trust that Jesus Christ will bring His kingdom near to them as you and others press in on their behalf.

Taken from Vertical with Jesus by David and Kim Butts. © 2022 PrayerShop Publishing.