“Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 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 6:31-34
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“Wow, Lizzie! You look wonderful!” I called out the window as our car pulled up her driveway. Before John had a chance to turn the ignition off, I fling the car door open, grabbing my purse and package.
Dashing up the driveway, I carelessly throw myself into Lizzie’s open arms. We embrace in a long-anticipated (and much needed) bear hug. After getting our fill of affection and giggles, I present her with her birthday gift.
“Oh, Jules…this was supposed to be a ‘no gift’ party!” Elizabeth shook her head in mild disapproval.
“But, I’m no fool…I can’t see wasten’ a perfectly good birthday present!” she threw her hands in the air, did a little jig and proceeded to rip through the colorfully wrapped gift.
It had been years since Elizabeth moved from Tennessee to Chicago; but her southern roots always seemed to shamelessly peek through whenever she got excited.
I nibbled at my fresh manicure while she pulled the brand new athletic pants out of the box.
“Oh, this is awesome! I could really use these!” Lizzie placed them onto her hips, giving anyone who could see her driveway an impromptu sashay dance.
It was then when I noticed that I had clearly purchased the wrong size. Lizzie’s figure must have gone down at least three sizes since I had last seen her.
A small crowd of people started to converge around us; I am positive it had everything to do with Lizzie’s excited giggle.
“You look amazing, Liz!” The compliments and gasps kept rolling in.
Lizzie’s cheeks flushed three shades of crimson. Her feet stopped dancing and she stood there awkwardly, the pants now hanging limply her side. “Thanks y’all.”
She kissed me quickly on the cheek, and then turned, steering herself straight into the kitchen. It was a rather abrupt end to a jovial start.
I followed her, watching Liz bury her head deep inside the refrigerator.
“This is your party, Elizabeth. Just relax.” Taking the fruit salad out of her hands, I placed it on the dinning room table.
“Let everyone else take care of you, today.” I motion for the teenagers who are sprawled on the couch to come over and give us a hand.
Lizzie’s eyes were skittish as she watched the crowd take over her kitchen.
“Ok, girlfriend. Don’t worry about them. Let’s go for a walk while they prepare the queen’s table.” Steering her away from her anxious activity, I watch Lizzie smile weakly. She grabbed her sweater.
As we stepped outside, the crisp air reminded me of autumn’s arrival; it was just around the corner. We walk together in silence, soaking in the dim rays of the setting sun.
“So what’s really going on, Liz? You have been trying to lose that weight forever. Now that you have, I would have figured you’d be a bit happier.” She smiled, but it was as flat and bland as a Matzo cracker.
“I don’t know. My whole life all I ever wanted was to feel pretty.” I nod in silence, urging her to continue. What girl can’t relate to that?
“I can’t remember a time when people actually noticed me. For the first time in my life, I am getting compliments left and right and it feels good…” she lingers grappling with the right words to say. “But, it makes me really scared.” Liz lets out a big sigh.
“Of what?” I cannot imagine how there could possibly be a downside to hitting your target weight.
“What if I gain it back?” Looking down at the sidewalk, she stoops down to pick up a yellow leaf. “Will people still notice me? Will I still be beautiful?”
How sad it is when we can never embrace the moment because we have given into fear. In these unstable times, it feels nearly impossible not to get caught up in that cycle of worry. So, how can we truly avoid it? Is it really a choice?
In Matt 6:31-34 we are reminded that tomorrow will come regardless of whether we worry about it or not. We are encouraged to continue trusting in God’s goodness, working in His will, and counting on Him to supply our needs. In a world that is unpredictable, Matthew 6:31-34 reminds us that God knows what is going on and He is limitless in getting anything to us at the perfect time. What do you have to lose…besides the stress that worry brings with it?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I admit that worry has been my “go to” emotion. I figure if I am not busy ‘doing’ something, than if I chose to worry about things—that is something, and it keeps me busy.
But, the downside is—even though I am busy with worry; this monster has started to consume and devour me. It has sucked the joy out of even my victories, because I am thinking about the defeat that seems to be waiting for me around the corner.
Help me to trust in you—I mean, REALLY trust in you, Lord. I want to give you all my anxieties, fears, stress and concerns. I want you to give me the confidence that you are really watching over me. Help me to let you guide my life into better choices that can even reduce my stress levels even more. In Jesus’ precious name, I am ready to really let you lead my life, 100 percent, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Matthew 6:31-34
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan