Do not worry beyond what you can take, for we all have worries and anxieties in our lives. Sometimes they can be overwhelming and paralyzing, I know.
Most times, we may wonder how we will cope with the challenges and uncertainties that we face in our lives.
Today, Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives because God cares for us and provides for us.
Key Takeaway to Do Not Worry
- Do Not Worry: Worrying is useless and harmful. It does not add anything to our lives but rather subtracts from them.
Anchor Bible Verse of the day
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Matthew 6:25-26 (NKJV)
This verse of Matthew 6:25-26 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches His disciples and the crowds about the principles of His kingdom. Here, He addresses the issue of anxiety and how it affects our relationship with God and with others.
He challenges us to examine our priorities and values, and to trust in God’s provision and care for us. He contrasts the worldly way of living, which is based on worry and greed, with the heavenly way of living, which is based on faith and generosity.
Key Explanations
- Do not worry about your life: Jesus directs our attention to the broader picture of life, reminding us that our existence extends beyond the material aspects we often fret about.
- Look at the birds of the air: By pointing to nature, Jesus illustrates God’s provision for even the smallest creatures, which emphasizes the immeasurable value He places on us.
Reflection on Do Not Worry
Today, Jesus invites us to look at the birds of the air and learn from them about how to live without worry.
By this, He doesn’t mean that we should be lazy or irresponsible, but rather that we should be dependent on God and grateful for His provision, care, and healing.
(Matthew 6-25-26)
Why is Jesus using this metaphor?
- Because, the birds do not worry about their food or their future, because they know that God feeds them every day.
- They do not store up anything for themselves but rather share what they have with others.
- They do not fret about their appearance or their status, because they know that God clothes them with beauty and glory.
How can we apply this lesson to our lives?
First of all, we are precious to God. He made us like Him and saved us by Jesus. He knows and loves us personally. He has a wonderful plan for us and He is always with us.
Secondly, to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, we should love and serve Him above all, obey and follow Him in everything, and use our gifts for His glory.
Thirdly, God provides for us from His riches. We don’t need to worry or be anxious or afraid. He is with us and for us. He cares for us and we can give Him our worries.
Philippians 4:6-7, which says:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
This verse teaches us how to deal with worry and anxiety in a godly way. It tells us to pray about everything, to ask God for what we need, and to thank Him for what He has done.
It also promises us that when we do this, we will experience His peace, which is beyond our comprehension and which will protect our hearts and minds from fear and doubt.
Beloved, I don’t know what your worries or anxieties are. What I know is that maybe, just maybe, there is a burden somewhere pushing you into grave anxiety. God calls you today to cast all your burdens unto Him.
Blessings!
Call to Action
As we reflect on this daily devotional, let us take some practical steps to do and not worry and to trust God more.
- Identify the sources of worry and anxiety in your life. Write them down on a piece of paper or in a journal.
- Pray about each one of them, using Philippians 4:6-7 as a guide. Ask God to help you overcome them and to provide for your needs. Thank Him for His faithfulness and goodness.
- Tear up the paper or cross out the items in your journal as a symbol of letting go of your worries and giving them to God.
- Memorize Matthew 6:25-26 and repeat it to yourself whenever you feel tempted to worry.
Prayer Points for Today
- Thank Him: Thank God for being your heavenly Father who loves you and provides for you.
- Bold Surrender: Pray for the strength to surrender worries to God, trusting in His perfect plan.
- His Peace: Ask God to fill you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
- Channel of Blessing: Ask God to use you as a channel of blessing to others who are worried or in need.
Let’s pray
Our Father, grant us the courage to release the worries that burden our hearts. Teach us to trust in Your provision and embrace the peace that comes from surrendering to Your care.
In Jesus’ precious and mighty name, we pray, Amen.
My prayer for you today: I pray that the peace that surpasses all understanding guards your heart and mind, as you trust in the Lord and exchange worries for prayers.
