“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:31-33
Over the last two weeks, we’ve considered remedies God gives us against worry. We’ve heard God’s call for us to humble ourselves before Him, casting our cares upon Christ, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5). We’ve been attentive to the command to not worry about anything. Rather, we are to bring everything to the Lord in prayer, with thanksgiving. As we do so, the God of peace will give us His peace that will guard our hearts and minds through Christ (Philippians 4). Though these are so comforting to us, God has more to teach us, more helpful remedies to give us in the Scriptures. We will glean from one more today.
Take note of the instruction Jesus gives in Matthew 6. In the context of these verses, Jesus comments on worries about life, food, drink, and clothing. Some Jesus ministered to toiled about such things. Yet He told them, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.” For the Lord feeds the birds of the air. He clothes the lilies of the field. How much more valuable are we to Him than the birds? So much more! How much more will He tend to our needs than those of the lilies? So much more! Therefore, we are to walk by faith, trusting in God’s faithful and good providence. He loves us and will provide for our needs.
Further, Jesus said God’s people shouldn’t worry and seek such things because that’s what the Gentiles do. We have been set apart. We’ve been called to be different. We should take much comfort that our Lord knows all that we need! He isn’t aloof, disconnected or unconcerned. God’s knowledge of our needs is perfect and complete. He knows our needs better than we do ourselves. So, when you’re in distress and tempted to doubt and worry, remember this- He knows you and is ready to help you.
Knowing this, we’re called to, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and these things will be added to you.” What does this mean? Our focus is yet again taken off of us and put squarely on Christ and His kingdom. Our thoughts are moved from the needs of our bodies and pointed to the needs of our souls in the heavenly life. John Calvin said it well, “Christ reminds us that there is the greatest inconsistency in men, who are born to a better life, being wholly employed about earthly objects…Nothing is better adapted to restrain the wantonness of the flesh from breaking out in the course of the present life, than meditation on the life of the heavens.” As our gaze is directed towards Christ’s kingdom, our earthly cares, that were once larger than life, are made small.
Walk today and in the days ahead with an uplifted heart, knowing the great value you have in Christ. Be at rest and have peace that your heavenly Father knows you intimately. Keep Satan’s lures and hooks out of your head when he tempts you to spin with doubts and uncertainties regarding Jesus and His care for you. He knows the details of your every need and will lovingly provide for you according to His perfect will and in His good providence. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, Beloved. To God be all glory and honor. Praise Him for His Word!