Matthew 6:30If that is how god clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith?
In today's scripture, Jesus points out to His followers the futility of worrying about such things as what they will eat, drink, or wear. To do so is to place fear over faith, to choose vain human pursuits rather than resting in the promise that God will supply their needs. He assures them that God already knows their needs before they ask and will provide as long as they have their priorities straight: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:30) Those of little faith are those who do not grasp the concept of God's immeasurable and overwhelming love for them. They can't, as the saying goes, let go and let God.
What is holding you back, keeping you a prisoner of "little faith"? Are you hanging onto worries, allowing them to consume you with a false sense of purpose and control in your life? Are you micro-managing your life and the lives of those around you? Stop. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Visualize Jesus sitting in front of you. Focus on Him. Ask Him to take away all the things that separate you from the living and loving God. Cast all your cares on the One whose yoke is easy and burden light. Trust fully in the knowledge that, by placing God first in your life, all good things will follow.
Readings
Psalms 89:1-18 or 89:19-52
2 Kings 17:24-41
1 Corinthians 7:25-31
Matthew 6:25-34
How beautiful Martha. I am very encouraged by your last paragraph.
ReplyDeleteIt does amaze me how God knows our needs and provides them, sometimes before we even ask. Last year about this time I realized William had grown out of everything! There really wasn't anything in his drawers that fit him and as I took out item after item wondering how I hadn't noticed, I began to feel so discouraged because clothing here is insanely expensive (like 30 to 40 dollars for one sleeper or pair of pants for babies!) and I thought even if we only buy him one of every clothing item, it's still far more than we can manage right now. I didn't pray about it though but I went downstairs and turned on the computer and was amazed to see a message from a co-worker I didn't know very well saying she had BAGS of little boy clothing she didn't need anymore and wondered if I wanted to come take a look and help myself to any! It was the hugest blessing ever! Some people might think yeah well, it's just clothing big deal but I really saw it as an example of how the Lord cares for us in small details as well. :)
In our business, we go through a lot of ups and downs. Yet worry never helps to pay the bills. God's divine promise to provide does not matter on the condition of the economy. God's promise is absolute. And the scriptures tell us that those who have faith in God and God's promises will be rewarded with God's blessings and provisions.
ReplyDeleteStill, it is hard to keep that in mind sometimes. For that reason, and others, I thank you for the reminder this morning.
God's blessings to you and yours today!
Oh, Colleen, what an inspirational story! God blessed you and your family in a mighty way with those clothes for the baby; He can, and He will, work wonders even when we "forget" to pray about them, knowing our needs before we ask.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my dear!
Hi Martha:
ReplyDeleteOne thing I'm NOT lacking is faith. I have more than I know can give. In fact, I wrote a column at my blog about this topic:
http://cjpwisdomandlife.com/2010/08/24/an-overflowing-faith/
If you read it, you'll understand why I have an abundance and where I believe it came from.
--
Chris
@Hank - yes, no matter where we are or in what situation we find ourselves, we must always trust God's promise to provide.
ReplyDelete@Chris - I will be sure to read your blog on faith; headed that way as soon as I pop off here.
Thanks to you both for your great comments and for stopping by today!
Blessings!
Oh I needed this scripture this morning! I have been plagued by worries the last couple of weeks especially where our business is concerned.It is so difficult not to worry but I need to have faith! God always provides in our needs! Great post Martha! Have a blessed day :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Nelieta! I'm so glad you found these words encouraging today; yes, in this economy, things are rough for so many, but we must never lose faith that God will provide.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, too! :)
Martha faith is letting go simply letting go without any reservations or fear.
ReplyDeletehttp://yogasavy.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-discovery-of-5-simple-letters.html
Martha...beautiful and encouraging post. I think anxiety can definitely have a way of hindering one's faith. I know it gets the best of me from time to time. In moment's of clarity I'm able to realize that I'm thinking more about what is causing me to be anxious than God. When I turn to Him, proclaiming His promises, I have a renewed sense of strength and direciton. Our God is great! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Savira and Jessica!
ReplyDelete@Savira - yes, faith is the antithesis of fear, for sure!
@Jessica - especially on a hectic day or when everything seems to be going wrong, we do tend to let our anxieties build, creating a wall between us and the comfort God wishes to give us at that very moment. And, yes, what a mighty God we serve!
Blessings to you both!
Our worries and fears can be a powerful influence in our lives, and more than a few decisions are made because of improperly yielding to them. If we release our burdens into God's capable hands, He promises to meet our needs, even when we may not understand what they truly are.
ReplyDeleteHave a Blessed Day Martha!
Thank you for stopping by, Phil! My worst moments in life have always come when I've hung on to fears and anxieties and not handing them over to the Lord. His hands are more than capable and He always keeps his promises.
ReplyDeleteMy day has been blessed and I pray blessings for you and yours, too!
As you know I am very disconnected right now....I'm told this is normal going through Trauma Therapy...but I do remember,..It was Matthew 7:7 that found me...that's when I was saved....I have a hole where God used to be....but I remember...As always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteWorries and anxiety over money, health, etc are a common occurence and it prevents folks from having complete faith in God. Concentrating on worldly problems instead of him sets us back while our most important relationship suffers s a result. I seem to stress alot over various things though worrying has no effect upon the outcome; In the end God is all I need and he will certanly provide whatever is truly needed. Blessings!! :)
ReplyDelete@Bongo - “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." And, yes, dear friend, in time, it will be. He will fill that hole for you. XOXOXO
ReplyDelete@David - Yes, in the end, no matter how much we worry, God already knows the numbers of hairs on our head and there is not one iota we can change by worrying except to add grey hairs to ours. He will provide!
Blessings always!
Martha, I am placing all my worries in God's hands from now onward. What a beautiful post...thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have always believed and experienced the loving kindness of God's love and how He caters to the smallest of our needs when we let go and let Him take over. Thanks for another reminder, Martha.
ReplyDeleteI am truly growing to love your blog. It makes me think. Waying up what i believe, against what you are saying. What has amazed me is that i can always find a correlation between both. Your blog is my brains workout, and i love that.
ReplyDeleteSulekkah said it and I agree with all the comments above- "place all your cares on Him, for He cares for you." More importantly, before we ask Jesus to take away what separates us from Him - we have to be willing to surrender it...because He will take it away...then we take it right back in our sin and pride...so be real...and surrender first....then ask!
ReplyDelete