ODJ: learning trust

December 5, 2015 

READ: Matthew 6:25-34 

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear (v.25).

As a child, I worried about making friends at school. As a college student, I worried about getting work after graduation. Today, I worry about the health of my parents and if my books will sell.

What do you worry about? Take a moment and make a mental list. Some of your worries may be similar to mine.

Jesus told us “not to worry about everyday life” (Matthew 6:25) and said there are two good reasons why. One reason is practical: When we worry, we waste energy on something that may never happen. Notice how many of your worries relate to the future—that you’ll be jobless, never get married, or your project will fail. The fact is, most things we worry about won’t come to fruition, and fretting won’t make an ounce of difference in those that do. “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Jesus asked (v.27). They can’t. “So don’t worry about tomorrow,” He said. “Today’s trouble is enough for today” (v.34).

The other reason is theological: Worry denies that God will provide for our needs through His power and goodness. Jesus said that His Father “cares so wonderfully” for all creation, including us! (v.30). And He also “knows all [our] needs” and will give us “everything [we] need” (vv.32-33).

To make His point, Jesus provided a guided meditation on the natural world. “Look at the birds,” He said. Look how God “feeds” them (v.26). “Look at the lilies of the field,” He adds. Look how beautifully clothed they are (vv.28-29). God is active right now, providing for creation. If He tenderly looks after birds and flowers, won’t He look after you, His child? May we trust God with today’s needs and challenges. For He’s real and He’s there, and far greater than our phantom worries.

—Sheridan Voysey

365-day-plan: Colossians 2:1-15