Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34
“One of our greatest foes is distracting care, overanxiety. Jesus does not condemn prudence or forethought; indeed, He regards these as human endowments of real value. What He does condemn is worry about the uncertainties of the future. Anticipate your needs, but do not harass yourself and become a slave to fear and morbid dread. The words of Jesus are addressed primarily to peasant folk whose reserves are very limited, but even the better off have need to learn this lesson.”
John Gardner in “Bible Notes for Daily Devotions: Leaves from an Interpreter’s Notebook” in Record of Christian Work, volume 40 (East Northfield, MA: RCW, 1921) 553.
Today I am shifting my attention to the balance Gardner describes as “prudence and forethought” while avoiding “distracting care” and “overanxiety” that can enslave us to fear. Especially in this season of uncertainty about the future with the presidential elections in the USA, we can be tempted to worry about tomorrow. We must not do it!
Biblically, we must acknowledge worry for the sin that it is. Worry reflects a failure to trust God with tomorrow and so it stops generosity in its tracks today! Once worry grips us, we take matters into our own hands and do things like store up treasures on earth. In the larger literary context for today’s text, Jesus Himself tells us not to do it (cf. Matthew 6:19-34).
What’s the solution? We must trust in God and use His resources with “prudence and forethought” without becoming enslaved to worry. Realize that Jesus told people who probably only had two mites to rub together not to store up treasures on earth and to depend on God for their daily bread (and everything else). He can be trusted to take care of us too.
Does distracting care overwhelm you? Humbly acknowledge it right now. Elsewhere we are reminded what to do with it. Give it to the LORD and experience His peace! Join me in this. Today I am driving ten hours north to Mott, ND, with my German Shorthair Pointer, Joy. That’s a lot of windshield time to identify my distracting cares and give them to Jesus. I see it as extended supplication time for various writing and service projects.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7