Matthew 6:25-27
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s passage is a continuation from the last two passages we’ve explored. Look back over Matthew 6:19-24 and then read Matthew 6:25-27.
“That is why I tell you do not worry…” Faith and worry are two responses that stem from our view of money and possessions. If we truly believe that everything we have comes from our loving Father, God, we will not be fearful about losing what we have. But if we are harboring the false notion that our hard-earned money and possessions are ours by rights, our fear of losing them will keep us enslaved to fear.
Jesus invites us to “look at the birds,” so get still for a moment and take time to picture a bird or a flock of birds. Think about how birds move through the world being fed and tended by God, and as thoughts or images come to mind, share them with Jesus.
Read Matthew 6:25-27 again with your thoughts about birds in mind.
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” The answer is obviously, “no.” Quite to the contrary, worry has been shown to have multiple negative effects on the human body, so worry can actually subtract moments from our lives.
A few days ago, we wrote down the five things we value most. Take a moment right now to write down the 3-5 things that worry you most.
Take your list to Jesus and present these things to him one by one taking time to listen to him after each one.
Read Matthew 6:25-27 once more as if Jesus were speaking these words directly to you.
Is there an action you need to take as a result of Jesus’ teaching on worry? If so, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the first step you need to take, and take it today.
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