Beyond the Weekend: Do Not Worry
Guest Pastor Dan Lian shares a powerful message examining Jesus's teaching on worry in Matthew 6:25-33. We discover how worry has become common in our daily experience and how Jesus diagnoses the root causes of our worries. Through Jesus's imagery of birds and flowers, we see God's faithful provision and care for his children as a good Father. We're challenged to remember that we are seen and cared for by God and trust in his abundance. The message invites us to experience the freedom God intends as we seek his kingdom first and discover that worship and worry cannot coexist.
God Will Clothe and Bless Me
Read: Matthew 6:28-32 Listen: Matthew 6
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Matthew 6:31-32
After reminding his listeners about their heavenly Father’s good and loving nature, Jesus gives a passing warning about the tendencies of “the pagans,” or those not walking with God. The pagans tend to chase after things, unaware of God’s provision or not aligned with God’s will. Here, Jesus draws attention to the human tendency of looking for life’s provision apart from acknowledging God and his gracious care. The follower of Jesus, however, is to recognize God’s loving care and provision and learn to trust him with daily needs.
Like “the pagans,” we too can chase things God doesn’t want us to run after. We can forget about God’s provision or allow our priorities to get out of line. However, the daily practice of gratitude is a key means to reframe our thinking around God and his provision. God is the one who supplies all our needs in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Rather than miss God’s regular provision in our lives, such as the reminders of the birds and the flowers, gratitude allows us to slow down, think accurately about God and see his gracious care.
TODAY: Spend time thinking about how God has specifically provided for you. A gratitude journal is one of the best ways to make this a regular habit. What are three things you are thankful for today? Journal these things and then thank God for his gracious provision.
