July 22 | Matthew 6:25-34
- Beth Voltmann
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
SEEK GOD FIRST
By Beth Voltmann
This is such a familiar passage. In fact, it was the text of our July 10 devotional. So why are we studying it again so soon? Perhaps we need a reminder. Did you worry in the last two weeks? Mm-hmm – I thought so. So did I.
We have a persistent human tendency to attempt to control the events of our days, causing us to worry. What a waste of mental and spiritual energy! Indeed, we have much to worry about when we allow our minds to linger on the world around, our family relationships, our health, our finances, etc. Jesus knows this but urges us not to worry about each day as he poses the question: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (v. 27)
A Finnish medical study on the impact of chronic stress reveals that worry affects our cardiovascular systems, weakens our immune defenses, and increases the rate of our cellular aging process. (Article by the UF College of Medicine) In fact, it has been suggested that worrying about the future effectively doubles one’s suffering due to the pain of anticipation.
One bit of Biblical wisdom that my mother drilled into me was, “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:34b KJV) I really had no idea at the time what Mom was talking about! Sufficient unto the day? Evil thereof? It took me years (and updated translations of Scripture) to realize that she was guiding me to Jesus’ own admonition:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
For tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
(Matthew 6:33-34)
We aren’t to worry about the coming days because the cares of each day are heavy enough on their own. This is where we learn to trust God to carry our burdens. This is why we are to ask him for our daily bread. This is the manna principle: gather only enough manna for the day - God will provide what is needed. When we seek God first and trust in his grace for each 24 hour increment, we will find it true: “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
PRAYER
Father,
We are often weary and heavy laden. Thank you that Jesus came to carry our burdens and to give us rest. With each new day, help us to seek your kingdom and righteousness first, trusting that you will take care of all the concerns and needs of life. Please give us strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Great is Thy faithfulness!
Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BETH VOLTMANN
After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.
As usual, these words are so timely. It has recently been pointed out to me how stress can manifest in physical ways like pain. This scripture reading offers a better way...pray. Thank you, Beth
But it's the "obey" part! That's the hard part!
Thank you, Beth! I needed this beautifully written reminder of the physical harm of stress and worry and just how unnecessary it is. We have peace that transcends all understanding. Thank you.
My mom lived by the mantra "If you worry why pray and if you pray, why worry?" She prayed and let go. I'm still hoping one day that I can fully trust God the way she did.