This Day in History: 0000-08-19

August 19 – Matthew 6:28-33

And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow.
They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you.
Why do you have so little faith?
So don’t worry about these things, saying “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?”
These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your Father already knows all you need.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

How many of us spend our lives consumed with worry? Anxiety and Depression are at an all-time high. Addiction rates are out of control. Suicide has become far too common. All these things suggest we are a society ravaged by worry.

It might seem the numbers should be better within the church, right? After all, what do we have to worry about when we know the Creator of heaven and earth is in control? But sadly, the numbers just aren’t much different within the body. Why? Why can’t we just trust God?

Can I suggest it has everything to do with the often-overlooked little half of a sentence in the middle of this passage: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…”

How many of us can say that’s how we live our lives? I want to be able to say it is, but if I’m being honest, I just can’t. Not above ALL ELSE.

What I can say is there have been seasons in my life when I absolutely have lived this way. There have been times when my focus has been tight around the Kingdom of God. Wouldn’t you know, those same seasons have noticeably lacked a sense of worry! During those seasons my trust in God has been absolute. I’ve given little thought to things that at other times consume my mind. The simple assumption has been, God will take care of it.

The rest of the time, though, I have to ask myself the question: Why do you have so little faith?

Why can’t I look around at the world and see God’s care all over it? Why can’t I open my Bible and find the evidence of His faithfulness sufficient to silence my fears?

The Lord knows what I need! He will take care of me. He’ll do the same for all His dearly loved children. So let’s commit to seek His Kingdom above all else! Let’s resolve to live righteously and trust the God who loves us far more than the splendid lilies that are here today and gone tomorrow!