I took the day off from work to experience some much-needed silence and solitude. My life was brimming with good things: family, friends, and ministry in the church. I had much to be thankful for, but internally I was struggling with one thing—something I wanted to talk to God about.
While sitting on a park bench, overlooking a pond, I noticed a robin covering a wide swath of ground as it searched for food. I opened my lunch and began eating the salad I had brought. I watched as my feathered friend pecked away at the ground and then yanked at a worm. Seeing the tiny creature find the food it needed, I was suddenly reminded of Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”
God provided for that little bird as it went about its daily routine in an environment that the Creator had established. Similarly, I sensed God telling me that He would provide what I need—right where I am—as I seek His kingdom in all that lies before me each day (Matthew 6:33). I don’t need to worry, toil, or spin in order to bring about what I think I need. I must faithfully obey Him, trust Him, and rest in His power to bring about what I cannot.
It’ll do me no good to worry over what I can’t control in this life and to fret over things that only God can bring about. Worry won’t add to my life; it will take away from it (Matthew 6:27). After all, my heavenly Father knows exactly what I need and so my life doesn’t have to be dominated by internal turmoil. Those who do not know God worry over such things (Matthew 6:32). Praise God I don’t have to!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Psalm 8:1-9
More:
Read Psalm 145:15 and consider what it says about God’s faithful provision in our lives.
Next:
Are you dominated by worry over things you can’t control? How have you seen God provide for you right when it was needed?
Gary Shultz on May 13, 2015 at 6:35 am
Is it not wonderful how God gently comes to us in tenderness and breathes peace into our soul. One of those great things; almighty, all caring, all God, all our Father coming to us for us, to bring us closer to Him. Thank you.
Marlena Graves on May 13, 2015 at 4:47 pm
Gary, the tenderness of God you mentioned means so much. I think I need to keep focusing on God’s tenderness.
Tom Felten on May 13, 2015 at 9:53 am
Such a good reminder, Marlena. Sometimes our circumstances can be confusing and we’re not sure what God is doing. But, praise Him, He will provide for our needs as we rest in His perfect ways and vast resources!
Marlena Graves on May 13, 2015 at 4:52 pm
Tom, resting in his perfect ways is key. And thank you for reminding us about his vast resources. I like the word ‘vast’. He has never let me down yet! Though sometimes I forget that in the midst of difficulty.
joycemb on May 13, 2015 at 1:27 pm
Worry seems to be a set-point to my personality so I need to be reminded of God’s care/provision more often than I’d like, but just knowing He cares is like a soothing balm to my soul, which my soul sorely needs, and often! Yes He is a very present help in times of trouble, or worry!
Marlena Graves on May 13, 2015 at 4:53 pm
My husband I have often said that most of us worry just about different things. I think we make inroads to spiritual maturity as we see ourselves worrying less and less. Lord, may it be so for us all!
stowns on May 13, 2015 at 3:16 pm
I think that the message is very clear. I agree that the Lord will take care of my every need and worrying will only create unbelief and doubt compared to praying and waiting which will increase my faith and belief in my provider, the Lord. Today, I found myself worried about whether or not my fiancée and I are deciding to wait to long to get married or if this summer is too soon. Receiving opinions and advice from others, this message along with prayer has been comforting as I make my requests known unto God. I’m thankful to have read this today.
Marlena Graves on May 13, 2015 at 4:51 pm
I am so glad it was a comfort to you. Believe it or not, it was a comfort to me too! We often have to preach to ourselves.
Winn Collier on May 29, 2015 at 3:09 pm
I think this revelation, this commitment to God’s good care, is at the very center of what it means to live free in this world.