2.06.2024

Don't worry! God's got this


 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things 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. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:31-34 NLT


As Kingdom people, we have the privilege of knowing our heavenly Father is taking care of every need we have. Jesus actually commands us to not worry about anything. We are the Father’s beloved children by covenant, and as such, he has released us from the burdens of our own care.

Seems too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Sure, we are to be responsible and do our part for the work he’s given us. But our heart’s posture is to be one of faith—trust and dependence on God in everything. We are to have utter confidence in our Father’s love, concern, and absolute commitment to our care. The filter we are to see life through is childlike trust in everything. The flowers and birds don’t have to give thought about where their next meal is coming from because God is in-the-moment always caring for them.

Those 'what-if's'

But it’s hard not to worry. Fearful things keep us awake at night, and each day greets us with needs, some urgent. As if today’s concerns aren’t enough, anxieties about tomorrow also grip our hearts. Nothing seems easier than to follow the trail of what might happen—or what might not happen.

We need to remember a couple of things. First, fear, anxiety, and worry don’t come from God. They come from his enemy, Satan, who uses fear against us as one of his chief weapons. If he can torment us with fearful possibilities or make us doubt God’s love and care, he has achieved his aim. Second, Jesus tells us that the enemy is a liar and the father of lies, that there is no truth in him. Think about that for a minute—doesn’t that imply that we shouldn’t believe those “what-if’s”? 

Seeking the Kingdom of God

God, on the other hand, speaks only Truth. Everything he tells us in his Word is true, a rock we can anchor ourselves on no matter what things trouble us. Jesus promises that as we set our focus first on God and his Kingdom, everything we need—every moment of every day—will be supplied. It’s a given. 

So what practical steps can we take to deal with worry when it sets up camp in our hearts?

  • Do what it says in the Bible: Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall (Psalm 55:22). Picture yourself releasing the weight of all your worries on him.
  • Read other verses about fear and worry. (Some are listed below.) It’s a good idea to write these down somewhere so you can review them often. They will keep your focus on what is actually true—God knows, God cares, and God is handling it.
  • Then, thank and praise him for being your wonderful Father. Thank him you have the privilege of being his beloved child. Praise him for the answers that he is working on, for his love and care, and for the good plans he has for your life. Praise is a mighty weapon that can rout those worries and refocus your faith. 

The next time you find the net of worry capturing your thoughts, remember who you are—a child of the living God! As you put him first with utter confidence and childlike trust, he promises to meet your every need. Remember…he’s got this!


Bible study:  Psalm 27:1, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 6:25-34; John 8:44; Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 5:7, 1 John 4:18


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1.05.2024

How to do our Kingdom work


 “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’” Matthew 4:10 NLT


Jesus left us a clear set of instructions when he left—preach the Gospel, make disciples. This is for all of us, but how many of us struggle to actually share the Good News? Perhaps we don’t have a clear understanding of our own giftings and how to operate in them, or we’re fearful and intimidated to share our faith.


But here’s good news! As we follow the Lord, he promises to show us how to do our Kingdom work. It’s a process, but as we do our part, he will do his. This is his work, and he has a perfect plan for each of us to help build his Kingdom. 


So how do we follow him today?


First, pray. 


  • Ask him to give you his own vision for people, his heart for the lost and their need for him. 
  • Pray for open eyes and heart to see the people around you and how you can love them. 
  • Pray for God to give you opportunities to connect with the ones he has prepared to receive his message.
  • Ask him to give you supernatural insight and understanding. 
  • Ask him for boldness to share his good news for them.


Second, stay in the Word. Read it prayerfully every day and let it speak to you. This is primarily where God talks with us, instructs us, gives us specific directions for each need.


Third, obey what he tells you. This could be from the inner promptings of his Spirit or from something he quickened to you in the Word. Should you make that call or text to a friend? Should you speak to the clerk at the store? Does your child need help to understand God’s way in their life today? Who might the Lord want you to disciple this year? You don’t have to worry about the results, that his department. Ours is to obey and leave the rest to him.


And last, trust him to lead you. He promised he will show you how to make disciples. As you act on the opportunities he sends your way to share, teach, or encourage others, your confidence will grow. The Holy Spirit was sent to help you in all things, and he will lead you step by step.


We have the amazing privilege of partnering with Christ to tell of his love to a hurting world. Be bold to obey him today and believe that he will show you how to do that.



Bible study: Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 4:2, 5



Image by Anke Sundermeier from Pixabay