“So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own.
Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:34 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
We are all prone to worrying about the future, yet what we worry about rarely happens. In these verses, Jesus reminds us not to be anxious about tomorrow since today has enough trouble of its own. Instead, Jesus wants us to be mindful of the present, not consumed by anxiety about what the future may hold.
Earlier in this chapter, Jesus addresses many of the concerns that cause worry, such as fear of not having enough to eat or clothes to wear. But, then, Jesus gets to the heart of the matter, revealing what’s often at the core of our anxiety: not trusting our Heavenly Father to provide what we need.
Though we can’t know what tomorrow holds, we can trust that God does and that He will provide all we need to get through each day. Instead of focusing on the “what if’s” tomorrow may hold, Jesus tells us to focus on today. We are to take every concern to Him as Peter tells us, “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (1 Peter 5:7 AMPC) This Scripture is a gracious reminder that God cares about every part of our lives, not just what we eat or wear. As we take all our worry and anxiety to Him, trusting His care, His grace will prove sufficient for everything we need.
A Touch of Grace:
What worries keep you from being mindful of the present?
How does anxiety prevent you from trusting God?
Grace Application:
Worry-we all worry. We worry about the past, the present, and the future. But what does worry accomplish? If we linger too long in anxiety, our hearts may race, and we begin to write a script about how life will go. Fighting temptation takes effort; it means telling our souls to trust the Lord no matter what happened in the past (He can use it), what is happening in the present (He has a purpose in it), and what may happen in the future (He has a plan for it).
Change is often a source of worry. To use, a worn-out adage: “the only thing we can count on in this life is change.” This past year has brought many changes in my life. God has graciously poured out many unexpected blessings in the past few months – a precious grandchild, restored relationships, sweet new relationships, returning to ballet, and many more.
There have also been several challenges where I’ve given in to worry and fret. The loss of loved ones, relationships that unexpectedly became strained, preparing to sell a home, and waiting for someone to buy it. Life often presents circumstances that cause our minds to go into overdrive with worry and anxiety. When was the last time something unexpected happened, and you found yourself writing a scenario of how it would play out?
It takes practice to turn our thoughts to the truth of this Scripture. Of course, we can worry about tomorrow, what may or may not happen – but what will we miss out on by allowing worry to consume our thoughts? God alone knows what the next day holds; focusing on what we know is true at the moment will help us turn our anxious thoughts to Scripture and remind our hearts that God is present, that He has a purpose and plan for each moment, that His steadfast love never fails, and that His mercies are new every morning. This practice strengthens us and helps us regain control over our thoughts and emotions.
Anxious thoughts may attempt to steal our peace and joy, but when we can turn our minds towards God, we are graciously reminded that “But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows.” Luke 12:7 AMPC
If you are worried about tomorrow or consumed by anxious thoughts today, please reach out so we can walk through God’s Word together. I want to encourage you with the truth that if you are in Christ, “Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39 AMPC
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to you in the name of Christ Jesus, my Savior. Thank You for the gracious reminder that I shouldn’t worry about anything. Thank You for Your Word, which encourages my heart to turn to You when anxiety seeks to consume me and bring me down into a pit of despair. When I’m anxious, help my heart and thoughts turn quickly towards You and help me cast all my cares on You. Lord Jesus, help me not to worry about tomorrow, but to keep my mind and heart focused on Your goodness and grace as I face each day, knowing You are in control and will provide all I need for today’s troubles. Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubts may be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**