Freedom From Worry – August 10, 2023

[Jesus said] “For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:25,26,33

Freedom From Worry

The rain had just stopped on a warm summer evening when my family and I decided to go for a walk. As we walked down the sidewalk, we were commenting on all the worms lying on the warm, damp concrete. Just then, a bird swooped down and flew off with a worm in its beak.

I highly doubt that bird was worried about its meals. It simply swooped down and picked up the meal God provided that evening. And if God provides a meal like that for a bird (for which Jesus didn’t die), will he do it for you (for whom Jesus did die)? Of course, he will!

In fact, the apostle Matthew says that not only does God know what you need, but he also says, “it will be given to you.” Imagine that! The very things the rest of the world spends their lives chasing are just given to believers at God’s promise. That means we don’t have to worry about our physical needs.

So, what should we spend our lives doing now that we’re free from that worry? We can seek the kingdom of God and live in righteousness! God’s kingdom comes as he reigns as king in the hearts of believers. Free from worry and pursuing the world, we can instead pursue God’s kingdom in Word as we grow in faith and assurance that our sins are gone in Jesus. And we expand his kingdom as we bring his Word to others.

So, let your anxiety be replaced by God’s assurance of provision. Find your peace in being part of God’s kingdom through the blood of Jesus. Find your joy in spreading his Word to others.

Prayer:
Providing God, strengthen me by your word to live free from material worry and make me passionate to seek your kingdom. Amen.