Matthew 6:31-33

The crowd of people came to hear Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Their thoughts were consumed on how to survive. They were people living under Roman oppression. Taxes were brutal. Famine led many to starve.

To them, Jesus said, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?', or, 'With what will we be clothed?'"

Jesus reminds people to not worry even if they have nothing. He tells them that they have a heavenly Father. "Your Father knows that you need all these things." And He has the power and resources to guide and help you.

Therefore Jesus commands, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

The first thing to do is to live a life that aligns with God's will. That should be our first priority. When you seek God first, the other issues related to survival will soon follow and become resolved.

"Do not be anxious" (μὴ μεριμνᾶτε / mē merimnate)

"Be anxious" is the Greek word merimnaō, meaning to worry, to be divided in mind. God is calling for a complete shift in how we approach our needs.

"Your heavenly Father knows" (οἶδεν ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος / oiden ho patēr hymōn ho ouranios)

"Knows" is the Greek word oida, meaning to know completely, with certainty. God knows exactly what you need and has the power to supply it.

"Seek first" (ζητεῖτε πρῶτον / zēteite prōton)

"First" is the Greek word prōton, meaning first in priority. To seek God means to understand and pursue God's purpose, values, and ways. Practically, this is following His will, believing that God takes responsibility for you, and living in fellowship with Him.

"Will be given to you as well" (προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν / prostethēsetai hymin)

"Given as well" is the Greek word prostithēmi, meaning to add, to give as a bonus. When you seek God first, provision follows. They are given to you.

I declare that the words of Matthew 6:31-33 are true in my life.

• • I will not be anxious about survival.
• • I will first seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
• • My heavenly Father knows exactly what I need.
• • God will provide for my needs.

God,

I confess that worries often consume my thoughts.

But today, I choose to believe that You completely know my needs and have the power to provide.

May I first seek Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. May I trust that when I put You first, You will add all these things to me.

When anxiety rises, remind me that I am not an orphan. I am Your child, and You take good care of my needs.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.