A Meditation on Matthew 6:25-34 ESV
As we enter the hectic holiday season and things become all-a-bustle, it is easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. Worse, sometimes we struggle with the circumstances of life – disease, financial concerns, death, relationship issues, or perhaps mental health struggles. In his providence, God has some advice (daily bread or spiritual food) for us – and no, it isn’t “Don’t worry, be happy” – because as Christians, we must know we will face trial, temptation, and hardship. Jesus simply tells us not to worry. That’s it.
For today’s discussion, I will add my comments in black font between Jesus’s words in red font.
25Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Well, what is your answer? Of course, we are worth more to God than they – he created us in his image. Also, don’t miss the implication that the birds thrive because they do what God created them to do. By doing so, they are obedient to his command at creation.
27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Some Bible versions include “or add an inch to your height” here. There is nothing we can do about how tall we are, how intelligent we are, what chromosomes we have, the color of our natural eyes or hair, or how long we shall live. God knows the hour of our death no matter how much we eat right and exercise, and he knows the color of your eyes and hair even if you use contacts and color your hair. The point here is worrying about what we don’t have control of is pointless.
28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
The lilies in the field, wheat, barley, and all the other grasses providing grain – are given what they need to thrive – sunlight and water – by God. And again, by growing and yielding their beauty and fruit, they obey God’s command at creation.
31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
The word Gentile here indicates “non-believer” or “pagan” – a powerful entreaty by Jesus because he asks us not to be like those who are enmity with God but to obey like the birds and the lilies! The next verse, which I will make bold, is verse 33, Jesus’ directive, when we start to feel anxious.
33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jesus does not tell us, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He directs us to “don’t worry, and seek the face of God.” When your faith is a little rocky, and you are beginning to doubt the sovereignty of God, which is the root cause of worry and anxiousness, remember you are God’s creature. Remember the birds and the lilies and how they exist to honor God. Then, choose to honor him and seek His presence. Matthew 11:28-30.
34Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Focus on today’s tasks and allow the Lord to work according to his will. Some Christians say, “Let go and let God”. There is wisdom in this statement, but also consider Romans 8:28. God hold you in his right hand! Isaiah 41:10.