Anxiety and Matthew 6

Questions in life- you’ve got to love them. I was thinking today about different concerns in my life. Some things weigh really heavily on me and if I’m not careful, they can overcome me freakishly fast. But thankfully God doesn’t leave me to myself too long. The following occurred to me: If it’s God’s will for something to happen, it’s impossible for it not to happen. So seek God; cast your cares upon Him. Let Him be your goal, your desire, your care and concern. Make Him your priority.

The end of Matthew 6 talks about our needs and how we tend to worry about them. It’s important to notice that these things actually are needs (food and drink, clothes, our lives); they are important to us. God certainly doesn’t neglect the fact that these things are important. But there are a couple things to notice. For one thing, we are told that worrying will not get us what we need. Will worrying add even an hour to our lives? Far more important, the passage creates the idea that we are of far greater worth to God than the creatures which He so abundantly provides for. He feeds the birds which do not sow, reap, or gather into barns. He lovingly clothes the flowers in which we find so much beauty. And consider His meticulous work in these plants which are here today just to be scorched by the sun tomorrow. Consider how excessively He has always provided for our needs, far beyond those flowers which last only a day! And He will do even more. Verse 32 says that God knows what we need. He knows! God in His omniscience knows of our needs far better than we can even know.

It is important to note here that God never guarantees absolute physical freedom from all wants and desires. There will be times of hunger, times of sorrow. But the point is God’s will is always accomplished. His will for us will surely be realized. We have a guarantee: Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.

I find it so interesting to note that this passage references Solomon and his ability to please and provide for himself. Sometimes I think that if I could just have everything I really want right now, I would be well provided for indeed! God however says, not so. Even Solomon in all his glory could not clothe himself as completely as the flowers in a field. It takes faith, but we must believe that God knows what He is doing. And He will be successful! 

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3