In times of economic instability, it is hard for people to trust in the Lord to provide. Instead they worry about whether or not they will be able to pay their bills, put food on the table, and keep a roof over their head. There are many sleepless nights wondering how things are going to be paid for. What starts out as a simple question becomes an unanswerable question. The stress is felt in our entire bodies. The physical effects are almost suffocating. We are distracted from our meditations, our prayers, and even our daily “housekeeping” tasks. Worry is a dangerous companion.

Jesus tells that we should not worry about such things. Paul seconds this assertion, using the phrase “Be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6). We do not need to worry about our food, our clothing and our shelter because all physical blessings come from God. He has the power to take care of us. Instead of focusing on our physical status, Jesus encourages to focus on the spiritual. How much better off would we be if we took the time we spent worrying about physical things and instead focused that energy on our relationship with God. That is what Jesus tells us to do when He says, “Seek first the kindgom of God.”

This passage is a good litmus test for our faith. Do we believe what God tells us? When God tells us that our sins are forgiven by being immersed in water, we trust that our sins are forgiven. When the Lord tells us that if we are faithful until death there is a dwelling place waiting for us in the afterlife, we live our lives not focusing on the here and now, but storing treasures there. When the Lord tells us that if we seek Him first and He will take care of our physical blessings, do we believe Him? Do our actions and our thoughts fall into line with what we are taught here? Or do we worry over it, and constantly wonder how we will make it work? How strong is our belief in the promises of God?