Anxiety over material concerns should never become or remain a part of your life. Ever.
Jesus commands the cessation of worry in Matthew 6:25 and then commands His disciples “Do not even begin to worry” in Matthew 6:31. He gives three powerful reasons for His challenging command.
A proper understanding of God’s knowledge and concern. “Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:31-32). Worry begins in the life of a Christian the moment he starts thinking like a heathen. Neither the false belief in fate nor the pagan belief in chance or luck is true. God and His gracious providence are sovereign in human affairs. Jehovah is not simply your creator; note Jesus’ emphasis: He is “your heavenly Father”. Believe it and live it.
A proper focus on righteous living. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). A one-track mind filled with unceasing concern for God’s reign over your will and the righteous thoughts, words, and deeds it requires eliminates the possibility of worry. There is no time or fuel for it. The track record of God’s providence is unblemished. “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).
A proper understanding of reality. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). Every day of your life Satan is going to attack you and your faith in God. He takes no days off. Spiritual victory requires your undivided attention and laser-like focus on today’s battles. Your sole concern today and tomorrow will be your need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Make sure it is and stays your focus today.
