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102. "Don't Worry, Pray!


Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-34, 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Key Verse: "Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well."
Matthew 6:33

Today is simply a continuation of yesterday. Yesterday, Jesus pointed out that you cannot serve two masters. You will either serve God, who is unseen, or the flesh, which is sin. Today, Jesus is pointing out the consequences of your choice.

If you choose to be caught up in the material world, your god will ask you to do much worrying over what you acquire. If you choose to serve God, through prayer, your daily needs, "daily bread," will be met. Truly, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)

An amazing amount of energy is put into worry, with little to no results, except perhaps, stomach problems, high blood pressure and a nasty disposition. But really, Jesus makes a good point when He asks, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matt. 6:27) What, of positive value, is gained through the activity of worry?

When we worry we are telling God that we don't trust Him. When we worry, we are looking at our physical circumstances and telling God, "It can't be done!" However, when we pray, we are letting God know that we do trust Him, as our loving heavenly Father to work things out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

In Matthew, Jesus talks about caring for birds, but in Luke, the specific bird mentioned is the raven. Think about it, ravens are scavengers. They eat dead things! Yet, if God can provide for even the raven, are you not much more valuable than they?

Paul continues Jesus' thoughts when he tells Timothy not to worry, but rather, "You, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12) Focus on the unseen, focus on your call from God. Make Him first in your life. "Seek His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things, (material, spiritual, what you NEED, not necessarily want) will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) Jesus is stating again, "get your priorities right."


Hymn: "Come Thou Fount of EveryBlessing"

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