"So I tell you, don't worry about the food you need to live. And don't worry about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more important than food. And the body is more important than clothes. Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or save food in barns. But your heavenly Father feeds those birds. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. - Matthew 6:25-26 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
What does it take to make you content? What allows you to go to bed at night and not worry about tomorrow? Jesus does not want us overly concerned with things that are not of basic value to God. In fact, he wants us to know that we are of basic value to our Father, so we can trust him for the basics. We shouldn't be overly troubled with the basic needs of life.
This doesn't mean we're to be irresponsible or freeloaders, it does mean that we should develop our sense of values so that the focus of our life is not on material needs. As God has declared us of ultimate value by sending his Son to redeem us, we commit to pursue what is of ultimate value -- the Father and his Kingdom. When we do that, the necessities will fall into place. Want proof? Look at the birds which regularly receive God's care and we're worth a whole lot more to him than they are!
PRAYER:
Father, you have poured your blessings into my life so richly. Forgive me when I worry about things that are not important, especially the material things that distract me. I do believe you will provide all I need as I seek your will, your face, and your Kingdom. In the name of the King of Kings I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures:
It is true that serving God makes a person very rich, if that person is satisfied with what he has. When we came into the world, we brought nothing. And when we die, we can take nothing out. So, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that. People who want to become rich bring temptations to themselves. They are caught in a trap. They begin to want many foolish things that will hurt them. Those things ruin and destroy people. - 1 Timothy 6:6-9
When birds are sold, two small birds cost only a penny. But not even one of those little birds can die without your Father knowing it. God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don't be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds. - Matthew 10:29-31
I know how to live when I am poor. And I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens. I have learned to be happy when I have enough to eat and when I don't have enough to eat. I have learned to be happy when I have all the things I need and when I don't have the things I need. I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13
