Sufficient Unto the Day
We live in a worrisome world, don’t we? We can look around and find all sorts of reasons to worry about all sorts of things, and it often feels like there is more to worry about now than in any age of history. But that simply isn’t true.
In every age this side of the fall of mankind in Genesis 3, there has been ample reason for worry. But what does God say about it?
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34
We know, of course, that this verse is not a call to set aside all planning or saving for the future. But it is a call to set aside worrying thoughts. In fact, if you look up the definition of the Greek word translated “thought” in this verse, it actually means “to be anxious.”
As much as there is in this world to be anxious over, Jesus tells us not to give any anxious thoughts a place in our minds. I find it significant that this verse follows a long series of verses dealing with every day things: material possessions, money, food, and clothing. God sums it all up by saying,
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”(v.33)
When we are tempted to worry, we need to remember to seek for the things of God, to fill our minds with thoughts of His kingdom and righteousness, instead of obsessing or fretting over things beyond our control. As Jesus said, tomorrow’s “evil” is sufficient for it—we don’t need to borrow any for today. Another verse in this passage reminds us,
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?”(v.27)
It is not only useless to worry over things we can’t change or control, it is actually harmful. You see, worry and trust cannot exist in the same place. You can either worry about something, or you can trust God with it: you cannot do both. Colossians 3:15 puts it this way:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Peace rules in our hearts when we choose to trust God and take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) And when we are trusting God, we will be not only be filled with peace, but with thankfulness as well.
God wants to take our thoughts from worry and fear to trust and peace. –Will you let Him?
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13