Matthew 6:25-34  "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life... "   Anxiety and worry..Jesus says.. are worthless things.  They provide nothing good. They cannot change anything. They are what happens when we have such "little faith".  

Our Father "knows that you need all these things.."  He knows we need food and clothing.. He made us to eat food.. He made food for us to eat.  He knows we need clothing and He provides it.. even as He provided for Adam and Eve in the garden.  All our "needs" boil down to the basics.  What sustains life -  this "daily bread"  is what we ask for and receive from the Father's hand. 

Jesus tells us to simply trust our Father.  When we seek Him.. "His kingdom and His righteousness.. all these things shall be added to you." (v33)  Luke adds this statement.. "Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom." (12:32) 

He has provided for us.. His children.. more than for the" birds of the air".. more than for the "lilies of the field" or the "grass.. which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace."  And yet.. we find that worries are hard to vanquish..  We know we can't accomplish anything by worrying..but still it comes and nags our brains...  It can cause physical ailments. It can cause emotional breakdowns.  It leads to depression and fear.  It is nothing but a trouble maker to our souls. 

What can we do?  Jesus says.. keep seeking the Kingdom.  The Kingdom that is near.. reachable.. inside us. The kingdom that God "gladly" gives to us.  The Kingdom where darkness has been vanquished and where Light overwhelms. The Kingdom where Jesus has set up His throne forever!   The Kingdom where all is righteous and good and pure.. where mercy and grace and peace prevail. 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  ( Phil. 4:6-7) Paul wrote.  Turn your eyes away from the things that worry you.. and turn them to the One who loves You. As Paul goes on to say, ".. whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (v8)   We are to "practice these things".. Paul says. Then we can learn to be content.. not anxious. We can learn to get along in "abundance and suffering need".  We will know that we "can do all things through Him who strengthens [us]" ( v9-13)  We can trust God to "supply all [our] needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." ( v19) He has made a way for us!  Hallelujah!

Father in heaven,  Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory!  Let all praise and honor be given to Your holy Name.  Let Your Kingdom be manifested in our hearts.. Christ on the throne. King forever! Let Your will be done on all the earth as it is in heaven.  Our world is full of anxiety and fears.  Darkness has blinded the eyes of many who do not know that You are the Father who loves and cares for His children.  You are the provider of all that we need. We ask for daily bread and You give to us gladly. Thank You for being a faithful God.. a good, good Father.  Help us to not succumb to the temptation to worry, but to trust You always.  We set our minds now on what is true, noble, pure, and lovely.. on Jesus Christ our gentle Shepherd and loving King.  In His name we come. Amen.