2 OCT 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 2 OCT 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“This is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.  These thoughts dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matt. 6:25a, 32-33

Are you a worry wart? Do you worry about worrying? I think this is so common to everyone.  We are worried about so much.  The worries around the world are different.  A friend of mine was sharing about internet issues and phone issues, he laughed and said “Our first-world worries, right?”.  He is right.  There are people in third-world countries that are worried about survival and we are worried about having the latest technology.  We get angry when it is not working to the level we expect.

To be in the 1% of the world’s wealthy citizens is about $32,000 per year.  Think about that. Even with all the opportunity and wealth in the United States, we still worry.  Why? Jesus spoke to a multitude of people in his famous Sermon on the Mount.  Among the multitude were people from various socio-economic levels, dirt poor and rich alike.  Jesus called them to a high standard and challenge that comes with the Holy Spirit’s help.

Do not worry.  That is a command of Jesus Christ, our God and King.  God placed mankind into their various socio-economic places, rich, poor, and every level between.  We are all alike in that.  Jesus says that he cares for all of them and all of creation.  As believers, we should not worry, but fully trust and rely on God for all our needs.  It is a part of our relationship with him.  When we worry, we are saying that we don’t trust Him and that is insulting.

Jesus says to put first things first and the rest of our needs will be provided for.  What is first? We put God, Jesus, and His Kingdom desires first and live righteously.  That is enough to keep you occupied and focused until Jesus returns.  He will supply your needs as you do that.  Safety, security, wealth, poverty, pain, and suffering all have their purpose in shaping who we are to become and establishing His Kingdom.  Our lives are eternal, so why worry? Don’t be fooled by false teachers, our best life is not now. it is when we are face-to-face with Jesus.

Are you controlled by worry? Jesus has the solution! 

Reading Plan: Psalm 89:1-18; 2 Kings 17:24-41; 1 Cor.  7:25-31; Matt. 6: 25-34