Get Your Priorities Straight

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:31-33) 

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength." (Corrie ten Boom)
"Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due." (Unknown) 

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27) I think we can all agree that worrying is wasteful and doesn't work. It weakens us and makes us weary. It weighs our heart down, causes our mind to wander aimlessly, and withers our soul. It ain't worth it! Those who don't know God as their Heavenly Father may have worries and seek after material things, but this should not be the case for us, His children. Jesus tells us not to worry! "Casting all your care (anxiety) upon Him--because He cares for you!" (1 Peter 5:7) "The Lord knows all His people--all their needs, and all their trials. He thinks upon them--to bless, deliver and supply them. He keeps His eye upon them--in all places, at all times, and under all circumstances. He has them in His hand--and will not loosen His hold. It is a Father's care which He exercises. It is a wise, holy, tender, and constant care. Therefore all will be well with you--only trust Him." (James Smith)

We must get our priorities straight. We are kingdom people who are called to seek the things of God...things that matter for God's kingdom...things of spiritual values as a priority over the things of the world. Live in the light of eternity; have an eternal perspective and make an eternal impact in this dark, lost world! When we put God first in our lives, we'll discover that all other pieces of the life puzzle will fall into place. Seek first to do His will, live in obedience to Him, and share the Gospel with others, then your needs will be taken care of by Him. By the way, this verse is not a formula for gaining wealth or getting what you want. Needs are not the same as wants. Our spiritual well-being (holiness/being conformed to Christlikeness) comes first. Since God knows our needs and He promises to supply, we have no reasons to worry whatsoever. Yahweh Jireh will provide what we need when we need it. Trust God with every concern each and every day. Rest your full confidence in God!

Often things that we're afraid might happen never do. Don't waste time and energy on "what-if" worries for either the past or the future. It won't do you any good. Grieving over yesterday's failures or being anxious about tomorrow's responsibilities will deplete your energy and strength to accomplish today's tasks. And in the meantime, you'll be missing your opportunity to enjoy what is happening now. Worrying robs us of joy. "You can't change the past, but you ruin a perfectly good present by worrying about the future." (Unknown) God meets our daily needs daily (ex: manna and quail for each day in the wilderness). He wants us to trust His faithfulness. God is never too late. Live one day well at a time! His grace suffices for each day. "As your days--so shall your strength be." (Deuteronomy 33:25b)

Prayer: Father, thank You for caring for my daily needs! Please help me remain focused on You as my Source of peace, hope, joy, and strength. Please teach me through challenging times to rest in Your faithfulness, grace, and power. Please fill me up with childlike faith so that I have no room for fears, worries, or doubts. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.