Take No Thought

Recently, I have been reading through the gospel of Matthew in my personal devotions.  There are times in my life when I allow circumstances or situations to control the direction of my thoughts, and that always seems to put things in a negative light.  “How will this situation ever be resolved?” or the equally bad, “What if…(you fill in the blank) happens or does not happen?”  Questions like these can take over my mind in such a short time, when I dwell on the situation and not the One who is in control of the situation. 

I read the other morning, just when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by some circumstances, God’s perspective on the issue.  “Take no thought.”  Those words hit me like a bucket of cold water.  Clear, refreshing, and invigorating words of God, that spoke directly to me.  It was as if He spoke aloud through those words, “Sarah, my child, take no thought for those things that lay so heavily on your mind this morning.  Those tiny birds that nest in your gutters – I clothe and feed them, provide a home for them, and you are so much more dear to Me than they are.  If I take care of them, will I not take care of you?  And those beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring and summer – how glorious they are, but I provide their clothing and nourishment!  They only last a little while, but I care enough about them to meet their very temporary needs.  Will I not do the same for you, o ye of little faith?”

The passage goes to to ask if we think anything will be changed by taking thought, or worrying about it, and I have to say, “No, nothing will change by my worrying.”  Why then, am I consumed with care?  I must conclude that it is because my faith is weak, or perhaps my heart is hardened, as in the disciples’ case, when they considered not the miracle of the loaves and fishes. (Mark 6:52)  They had seen God do amazing things, but when they were in a crisis, they did not consider His miracles in the past, and they were filled with fear.  It is not as if God has neglected me in the past.  On the contrary, He has abundantly supplied for all of our needs, in so many amazing ways!  He has reconciled relationships, resolved conflicts, provided food, shelter, and clothing, and, I am sorry to say, that there are still times when my faith falters and I begin to wonder how it will all work out.

“Therefore, take no thought…

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.”

Matthew 6:31a, 32b, 33-34a

Perhaps this lesson is for me alone today, but perhaps it may be an encouragement to you as well.  In the coming weeks, I know there are many more uncertainties ahead.  My hope and prayer is that I will take no thought, but instead trust my heavenly Father to provide whatever I may need, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.  Can I challenge you to do the same?  Let us use each situation to increase our faith.