ODJ: where we are

May 13, 2015 

READ: Matthew 6:25-34 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously and he will give you everything you need (v.33).

I took the day off from work to experience some much-needed silence and solitude. My life was brimming with good things: family, friends and ministry in the church. I had much to be thankful for, but internally I was struggling with one thing—something I wanted to talk to God about it.

While sitting on a park bench, overlooking a pond, I noticed a robin covering a wide swathe of ground as it searched for food. I opened my lunch and began eating the salad I had brought. I watched as my feathered friend pecked away at the ground and then yanked at a worm. Seeing the tiny creature find the food it needed, I was suddenly reminded of Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

God provided for that little bird as it went about its daily routine in an environment that the Creator had established. Similarly, I sensed God telling me that He would provide what I need—right where I am—as I seek His kingdom in all that lies before me each day (Matthew 6:33). I don’t need to worry, toil or panic in order to bring about what I think I need. I must faithfully obey Him, trust Him and rest in His power to bring about what I cannot.

It’ll do me no good to worry over what I can’t control in this life and to fret over things that only God can bring about. Worry won’t add to my life; it will take away from it (Matthew 6:27). After all, my heavenly Father knows exactly what I need and so my life doesn’t have to be dominated by internal turmoil. Those who do not know God worry over such things (Matthew 6:32). Praise God I don’t have to!

—Marlena Graves

365-day-plan: Psalm 8:1-9

MORE
Read Psalm 145:15 and consider what it says about God’s faithful provision in our lives. 
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Are you dominated by worry over things you can’t control? How have you seen God provide for you right when it was needed?