Greater Than Fear of the Future Part 2

There have been many times over the past four years where I've been in a situation in which Matthew 6:25-34 has ministered deeply to my soul. Most of those times I've been knee deep in raising support for different ministry opportunities (previous post: Promises of Provision). But many  times, I've read the words of this passage in the midst of seasons where I was worrying about the future. 

In this passage we're told not to worry about two main things:

• What we will eat or drink
• What we will wear

Two essential things of life and the passage commands us not to worry about them. These are our basic needs. Internet isn't a need. Netflix isn't a need. Phones aren't a need. 

The basic things we need in order to live and survive are sustenance, clothes, and shelter. That's it. 

And yet, God promises to provide those things for us in this passage. Jesus uses two examples to back up that promise. God feeds and takes care of the birds, and he clothes the grass of the field. 

If God provides sustenance for the birds and clothes for the field, what makes us think that he won't provide for our needs (Matthew 6:30). 

When we're worrying or fearful of the future, we're not believing that God can and will provide and meet our needs. Like Jesus says in this passage, we are of little faith. 

The God of the universe loves his creation. He wants to provide and show that he can provide. This is the God that provides for the birds of the air and clothes the fields. This is the God that has everyday of our lives written in his book (Psalm 139:16).

There are many reasons why people are fearful of the future, but my bet is that one big reason is that we're afraid that God won't provide. We worry that He won't provide a myriad of things: food, shelter, clothing, a job, children, a relationship. In our worry, we grow fearful, and we forget the character of the God of the universe. 

God knows what we need and wants to give us those things. We do not have to worry or be fearful. Worry and fear doesn't add an hour to our lives. But if we know God and His character and have faith in Him, we can be set free from fear about the future and whether God will meet our needs. 

I need to remember this all the time, especially as the Lord has me in a season where there's so many unknowns and I'm completely dependent upon Him to meet my physical needs. 

What about you? Are you fearful of the future? Are you afraid that God won't provide or meet your needs?

There is a promise in this passage, one that we can hold onto in the midst of worry and fear. 

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and just watch. God will provide and meet all of your needs. We don't have to be fearful of the future when we have a God that is more than willing to show that if he can provide abundantly for the birds, he can provide abundantly for us.
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This post is part of a 31 day series called Faith > Fear. You can read all of the posts here. 
Also, how is this series going? Its it helpful? Is it encouraging? Or are there ways this series can improve? I would love to hear your feedback. Feel free to comment below.