31 Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32 For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
Matthew 6:31-33 (AMP)
Worry in a nutshell
Jesus has been focusing on worry recently. Remember the context is the sermon on the mount (sermon on Christian living). As He winds down this focus, He gives us a nice summary of the message: don’t worry about the basics of life! You are followers of Jehovah; you don’t need to worry like those who don’t know the true God.
God knows
In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus tells us God knows. He sees all we do and knows all we ask and need. Here He repeats that foundational truth again – as encouragement to not worry. God knows what we need. Since He is our Father, Romans 8:32 tells us He will give us all good things (according to His will, not ours, and His knowledge of what is good, not ours).
Seek ye first
Seek ye first is a classic song of the 1970’s. Based on this passage, it combines other teachings of Jesus (man does not live by bread alone; ask, seek, knock). Rather than worry, we should focus on heavenly things. He earlier, in Matthew 6:19-21 instructed us to store up treasure in Heaven. But what does this look like in real life?
Solomon example
Solomon is a good example of this verse. We read in 1 Kings 3:4-15 (esp 10-15) that when Solomon first took over the monarchy from his father David, he went to a high place to worship. God met him and told him to ask for anything and He would give it. As a young man, he might have asked for a new chariot, wealth or power, etc. But what did he ask for? Wisdom to lead God’s people well. God was pleased that Solomon sought the Kingdom of God so gave him all the other things.
RЯeflection
- The more we know God the Father, the less we will worry. When we know how mighty He is, we know He is able to take care of us. When we know His love, we know He wants to take care of us. As we see how He loves His children in the Bible, we know He does take care of us. Look at your own life closely. Count those blessings. Grow your trust in Him.
- Lord, help us to seek your kingdom and your righteousness first. Put in us the desire to delight in you (Psalm 37:4) and your Word (Psalm 1:2). Create in us a clean heart (Psalm 51:10).