But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. —Matthew 6:33–34
It has been well said that 90 percent of the things we worry about never happen. Though I believe that is true, it’s the other 10 percent that worries me! But seriously, how much time do we spend borrowing from tomorrow that which influences or even ruins today? Jesus said not to worry, however, and He offers this, not as advice, but as a command.
The Greek word for worry means “anxiety,” and this is what Jesus is getting at. He isn’t telling us to have a robotic and mindless oblivion regarding this life’s troubles and concerns, but He is saying that when problems come, we are to keep our focus on Him, remembering to seek Him first.
This means we must not neglect the one thing we can rely on when pressed on every side. We cannot allow trials and struggles to change our focus, but we must keep putting Him and His will first. I realize this is easier said than done. When trouble or trials come, many of us try to seize control in order to get ourselves out of the situation. But Jesus says, “No, keep putting Me first, and we’ll deal with this stuff together.” After all, we can’t see tomorrow, so why disconnect from the one who can?
Never measure the size of the mountain until you remember the size of your God! He is never surprised or unprepared for the things you face each day.
So how can you not worry? Keep living like He will enable you to do all things through Him. Keep believing that He knows all and is in control of everything, and do not let the devil trap you in the desolation of isolation. Keep praying, keep reading, stay in fellowship, and serve, just like you do when things are at their best. That is the way to seek God first, and that is the antidote to worry.
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