Look Again and Think

“Do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25). A warning which needs to be repeated is that “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches,” and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us (Matthew 13:22). We are never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends; or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it. “I say to you, do not worry about your life.” Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing—our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, “That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink.” Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first. “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (6:34). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and saying, “What are your plans for next month—or next summer?” Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the “much more” of your heavenly Father (6:30). —Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Worry comes at us like waves—sometimes about money, sometimes about relationships, health, or the future. But Jesus, with full knowledge of our real and pressing needs, says plainly: “Do not worry about your life.” He’s not being dismissive—He’s being liberating. He knows how quickly the cares of this world can choke out the life of God in us, how easily anxiety can become the lens through which we see everything. But He also knows the heart of the Father, who clothes the lilies and feeds the sparrows, and who knows you by name. Oswald Chambers reminds us that the single concern we’re called to keep at the center is our relationship with Christ. Everything else, Jesus says, will be added in due time. So when those little voices creep in—What about tomorrow? What if this goes wrong? What if I don’t have enough?—let the Spirit raise a banner of peace in your heart. Stay close to Jesus today, and trust Him with the rest. He’s already there. —DH