From Worldly Worries to Spiritual Anticipation
How much time do you spend thinking about what to eat or worrying about what to wear? Do you obsess over having—or being—enough?
While there’s nothing wrong with meal planning for the weeks ahead or creating an annual budget, Jesus explains that worrying doesn’t help:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25 NIV
Jesus never said not to think about your basic needs. He did say not to worry about them.
God knows what you need before you do. God knows your prayers before you pray them.
Recognizing your physical needs can remind you of your spiritual needs—an invitation to trust your ultimate Provider.
Later in the same chapter, Jesus reminds His disciples that if God provides for the birds and the flowers, He will provide for His people that much more. Then He adds, “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
So, let’s seek Him first. During this season of Advent, reflect upon the work entrusted to us while trusting in Him for provision. And let’s not waste another second on worldly worries!
Worshiping a Good God
At the time of Isaiah writing this verse, God had already done so many things for the nation of Israel. He brought them out of Egypt, rescued them from some evil nations and kings, blessed them with some great leaders (and challenged them with some not-so-good ones). And that was just the beginning of His providence and provision. Israel had a lot to be thankful for.
As readers of this passage now, thousands of years in the future all across the globe, we can confidently say that God has done and continues to do wonderful things, especially sending His Son, Jesus, to die and rise again, saving us and giving us eternal life.
Even in the face of unimaginable tragedies, fear, anxiety, depression, and whatever else the devil throws at us, we still have a lot to be thankful for. Because God will never stop doing wonderful things—that’s just who He is. And He who called us is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV).