Devotionals for January 23, 2023
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READ
Matthew 6:31-34
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
REFLECT
C.S. Lewis once said that when we treat good things as if they are ultimate in our lives they become demons. In fact, the better the thing is (i.e. financial freedom, health, etc.), the more destructive it can be if we treat it as the highest pursuit of life. Jesus’ exhortation to “not be anxious” is not speaking primarily to some emotional angst, but to a commitment to make our lives work by our own effort and planning. He tells us “rest in me, do not be anxious.” Notice how he says, “the pagans run after all these things.” There is an activity involved in anxiety and whatever it is, Jesus is telling us to stop and rest in His provision. “Not worrying about tomorrow” is a decisive action of ours that declares that our God will provide our needs as He has promised.
APPLY
Q: Why does Jesus specifically mention eating, drinking, and clothing in this passage?
Q: Where in your life do you have the power to cease anxious, future worrying activity (even if the anxious feelings do not go away)?
Q: What would change in the way you serve others if you ceased behaving as if you were your own provider?
SING
“Sound Mind” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Lord, thank you for your promise of provision. Help us to place you first in our lives, trusting that if we have you, we have all we need and more! Amen.
READ
Matthew 6:31-34
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
REFLECT
C.S. Lewis once said that when we treat good things as if they are ultimate in our lives they become demons. In fact, the better the thing is (i.e. financial freedom, health, etc.), the more destructive it can be if we treat it as the highest pursuit of life. Jesus’ exhortation to “not be anxious” is not speaking primarily to some emotional angst, but to a commitment to make our lives work by our own effort and planning. He tells us “rest in me, do not be anxious.” Notice how he says, “the pagans run after all these things.” There is an activity involved in anxiety and whatever it is, Jesus is telling us to stop and rest in His provision. “Not worrying about tomorrow” is a decisive action of ours that declares that our God will provide our needs as He has promised.
APPLY
Q: Why does Jesus specifically mention eating, drinking, and clothing in this passage?
Q: Where in your life do you have the power to cease anxious, future worrying activity (even if the anxious feelings do not go away)?
Q: What would change in the way you serve others if you ceased behaving as if you were your own provider?
SING
“Sound Mind” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Lord, thank you for your promise of provision. Help us to place you first in our lives, trusting that if we have you, we have all we need and more! Amen.