Seeking instead of worrying. That is my focus this week. No worries about small or big things, but purposely seeking His Kingdom. In other words: seeking peace, joy and righteousness, because that is the Kingdom of God.
Let us continue to read in Matthew chapter six (verses 31-33), Jesus is speaking here: 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. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
That is not too complicated, isn't it? But maybe you are thinking, well, it is easy for Jesus to say this. He multiplied bread when there was not enough to eat, He healed everyone who was sick and when a storm nearly shipwrecked the boat He was in, He calmed the storm with his hand. Yeah, it is easy for Him to say this...
Yet, Jesus'message here is very clear and simple. Worrying about daily stuff is a pagan thing, don't fall for that, don't go there. Your heavenly Father knows what you need... So, we don't need to tell Him all the time. Do you recognize this? In prayer we often have a tendency to tell God what is lacking and what is worrying us. Often we feel the need to even explain things to God. Yep, that's us. And God seems to be saying, 'I know, I know...'
Don't get me wrong, we can freely talk with God and tell Him our daily business. But we have no excuse to worry.
I want to change my focus this week from worrying to seeking His Kingdom principles and presence. Is that easy? No. Is it possible? Yes. I want His wisdom, His solutions and His guidance in my daily situations. I hope you will seek this as well.
Our worries about food, drink, or clothes are often more like the "running after these things" in your translation of Mt. 6:32. That phrase also translates "seeking," in this case, the best (more expensive) food, drink, or clothes. Unlike the flowers or birds of 6:26f., most people work hard (sowing, reaping, gathering in barns; toiling and spinning) in order to afford better things. So our worries are more anxieties due to wanting more or better.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord's prayer seeks first the kingdom of heaven (Your kingdom come); and later seeks merely simple things (Give us our daily bread). Even this simple request includes others; it's not "give me my daily bread." We pray with God's kingdom especially in mind, and with other people's simple needs as much in mind as our own.
That is indeed the root of most our problems and worries: always wanting more. Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment on this blog!
DeleteJust today Hubby started talking about the problems with the weather we could have next week. I told him that each day has enough worries of its own. He thought for a minute and stopped talking about it.
ReplyDeleteOne day at the time, that is more than enough indeed!
DeleteI'm one of the anxious/worry types--although I am getting better! I'm learning to just give it to Him and put all my trust in Him.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are getting better at trusting God Jennifer, it will give us so much more rest in our hearts!
DeleteHi Marja,
ReplyDeleteNice to be here with you again. Thanks for joining my site (www.jennhiferdougan.com). I'm honored to have you here. The Netherlands is a beautiful land. I got to visit friends there when I was 17 years old, and our family enjoyed spending some days there.
This reminder not to worry is always good to tell ourselves again and again, huh? I know that I was just reminding myself today of those promises to not be afraid or to worry about life things. So true, yet hard to do everyday. :)
Thank you, Marja,
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
"Yet hard to do everyday..." Maybe, that is why we need reminders like this scripture or blog post :) Thanks for visiting and commenting Jennifer, I appreciate it.
DeleteGood reminder. Worrying not only doesn't help, it actually hinders our productivity, and robs us of opportunities of depending upon God. Good post.
ReplyDeleteOkay Warren, you said it in one sentence :) much better than I can do in an article.... thanks for stopping by.
DeleteConfide in Jehovah, and do good!
ReplyDeleteConfide, trust, rely on... a life long learning process. I have learned that faith in action (doing good) builds trust.
DeleteSeek ye first the Kingdom of God and it's righteousness. And all these things will be added to you. Matt 6;33
ReplyDelete