Joel M Bradshaw

 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.–Matthew 6

The context here is anxiety and worry about physical things. I confess that in this season of inflation has caused this to be more of a problem for me. When financial anxiety shows up in my life, I become impatient with my attitude and hurtful with my words. I have some work to do in this area. I need to ask myself who am I seeking first!

Jesus expects his followers to be different than others regarding how they handle anxiety and worry. This difference shows up in 3 major ways:

1. The realization that God knows our needs like a father knows his kids. I expect my young son and daughter to come to be with their worries before going to our neighbor or trying to handle matters themselves.
2. The focus on today rather than worry about tomorrow.
3. The seeking is God’s kingdom and his righteousness. Not my kingdom of security and attitude of excuses for becoming impatient over matters!

If I am the answer to my problems, I will always struggle with anxiety, for I am not meant to seek after myself. If my hope is centered in myself, then I will have a frustrating life, for I was never meant to be mown hope.

In anxiety and worry, ask yourself two questions. What can I control today? These are opportunities to honor God. What can I not control today? These are opportunities to trust God. Neither question seeks the self. The answers to both questions center around God. Who do you seek first?–JMB