Scripture: Matthew 6:26-30 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
Devotion: Have you ever heard the quote, “Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace”? While not a Christian quote, the sentiment of it is very similar to a verse from Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” When this verse is taken on its own, stripped away from the surrounding verses, the quote and the Bible verse seem very similar.
But when we add back in the content that came before and after this Bible verse, we can see a glaring difference. The reason that we do not need to worry about tomorrow is because we know that our Lord will provide for us. In our scripture for today, we are given these beautiful and easy to understand analogies. As I write this, I am sitting outside, enjoying the sunset, and listening to the birds chirp. They are communicating back and forth, creating a beautiful melody to listen to. Though they lack the ability to prepare for whatever tomorrow will bring, our Heavenly Father cares for them and feeds them. The same is true of the flowers I recently planted. They are varying shades of yellow, orange, and pink. Each one is painted uniquely by our God who is the majestic creator. The flowers do nothing. In order to make them grow, it requires that I water them and make sure that they get sun. And yet, though they do nothing to support themselves and lack a soul, the Lord took the time to clothe them in beauty.
Yes, tomorrow brings trouble of its own. But worrying about tomorrow doesn’t protect us from whatever it might bring. Instead of worrying, we can trust that the Lord will provide for us.
Reflect:
- What are some ways that you can see the Lord’s provision in your life? It can be big or small.
- Listen to The Lord Will Provide by Passion- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vokR7AQs2u8
