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Matthew 6:25 - Our Needs Are Met.Matthew 6:25 (NIV) "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 important than food, and the body more important than clothes?Matthew 6:25 (NLT) "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? INTRODUCTION Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your health, (2) disrupt your productivity, (3) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (4) reduce your ability to trust in God. How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing? Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern - worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. [Life Application SB] Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. [DA 330] COMMENTARY PEARL Our Needs Are Met People have two great spiritual needs. The first is forgiveness, which God has made possible by sending His Son into the world to die for our sins. Our second need is goodness, which God also made possible by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. We actually have the glory of the Lord with us in this life because His Spirit abides in us. Do we really comprehend that the Lord of all gives us a taste of His abundant attributes while we are still in these earthly bodies? Do our lives reflect this? As needy people we ask the Lord for many things: food, clothing, jobs, homes, a spouse, children, and more. Our minds are focused on our physical needs. Instead, Paul prayed that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth and wisdom: "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him" (Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT). This is a wonderful promise. Do you pray for your spiritual needs, your physical needs, or both? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham] Worrying Brings No Value To Today There's not a single one of us who is immune to worry. We have real, tangible needs. To provide for our families. To put food on the table. To connect with our purpose. To know love. When our needs feel unmet, we swiftly turn to worry. The reality is that worrying has never once helped meet a tangible need. Planning might. Prayer has. But worry hasn't. Worry just robs you of today. If you need inspiration to trust in God, just go outside and look around you. The trees, the grass, the animals - God takes care of, protects, and sustains it all. If He can do it for all of creation, He can certainly do it for you. When you remind yourself of His deep love for you - much greater for you than for any bird of the air - how could you not trust Him? He is faithful to provide all that you need, so don't let worry sit in your mind and heart today. Dear God, You have led me, provided for me, and guarded me all the days of my life. I recall Your faithfulness and stand on Your promises today. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] Worry-free Workers A recent study evaluated the actualization of people's worries and discovered that an extraordinary 85 percent of those worries never ended up occurring. French philosopher Michel de Montaigne penned this fact nearly five centuries ago when he wrote, "My life has been filled with terrible misfortune; most of which never happened." The study makes a good case for giving up worrying altogether. Worry distracts. Instead of focusing on the job at hand, worry ruminates on the past or fixates on the future. Even further back in time, the Bible recorded similar sentiments, as illustrated in today's passage. Today's culture inclines us to worry over ensuring the procuring of nicer clothes and fancier food, but God directs your attention to the clothing of a flower (Matthew 6:28, 29). Not even Solomon could compete with its simple beauty. God promises to care for all your needs in the same way. Because Of His Careful, Loving Provision, You Can Focus On What God Considers Important: Growing In Righteousness And Advancing His Kingdom. God asks His people to think about His kingdom first, and He doesn't want anything to distract us from this purpose. Moreover, working for God's kingdom doesn't produce more worry - remember, "[His] yoke is easy" (11:30). Follow God's instructions in today's passage so that God can fulfill His promise to take care of all your worries. Instead of worrying, consider how the Lord wants you to contribute to His kingdom. Dear Father, I trust You to care for my family and me. Help me to pay attention to Your kingdom instead of my worries. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Matthew 6:25 - Our Needs Are Met. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231030-1030.html Matthew 6:33 - Make Christ First And Last And Best In Everything!!! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240619-0920.html Luke 12:31 - Making God First And Last And Best In Everything! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140613-1208.html Matthew 6:34 - Live for Jesus One Day at a Time. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240831-1443.html Psalm 55:22 - Give Your Burdens And Worries To The Lord And He Will Take Care Of You. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240518-0914.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |