I’ve been reading through Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest”, recently, it’s been such a blessing to me. Everyday it seems that the Lord uses these old devotions to speak to me. Today’s entry was of particular interest, Mr. Chambers referenced one of my favorite and most often read passages:
“Do not worry about your life . . .” —Matthew 6:25
Here’s what Oswald had to say about it:
“A warning which needs to be repeated is that “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches,” and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us (Matthew 13:22). We are never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends; or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it.
“I say to you, do not worry about your life . . . .” Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing-our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, “That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink.” Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.
“Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and saying, “What are your plans for next month— or next summer?” Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the “much more” of your heavenly Father (Matthew 6:30).”
Are you being invaded by worry? As Chambers says, the Lord only asks us to be concerned with our relationship to Him, everything else is secondary. But Common sense tells us that is silly and absurd, how could we not be concerned with our basic needs of food, shelter, and love? We must remember, that Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. So He knows our needs before we are even aware of them. In fact the Lord already has a plan to supply for these needs that we don’t even know exist yet. How wonderful is that thought? That He knows us so well, and loves us so much that He’s already supplied for every need? The only thing we have to do is follow Him.
What can we add to circumstances by worrying about something that has already been taken care of?
Semi-Seasonal 