Don’t Worry About Tomorrow
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34
For years, I ministered in churches and nursing homes through music. A favorite song I often sang was “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.” The first verse begins by saying the following.
I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day. I don’t borrow from its sunshine. For its skies may turn to gray. I don’t worry o’er the future, for I know what Jesus said.
Then, the chorus condenses its theme with these words. Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.
What a beautiful song with a message easily accomplished, right? At least in theory. You might want to add this verse instead. I dread the things of tomorrow and the bills I’ll need to pay.
Jesus asked a simple question when He talked about this subject. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Worrying does just the opposite. It takes moments from your life.
Do you have any scripture texts that have a special meaning to you? God used this particular portion in Matthew to speak directly to me.
Right after high school, I went to college for a year. But because I didn’t like it, I decided not to return for the second year. After working for a couple of years, God called me to the ministry.
The Bible Spoke Directly to Me!
I reluctantly applied to Bible College, was accepted, and received a student handbook. It stated that students must wear the proper apparel to the chapel services and classes.
I only owned a couple of button-down shirts and one tie. I’d like to say it had me very concerned, but in all honesty, it worried me. So, I talked to my friend Glenn, whose spiritual advice I valued.
After hearing my dilemma, a big smile covered his face. He said, let me show you something in the Bible. Then, he turned to the latter verses in Matthew 6.
Do not worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25
Being raised in the mountains, Glenn loved the outdoors. Before sharing the next verse, he looked out the window and referred to the birds outside.
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26
I appreciated that verse, but it didn’t speak to my reason for talking to him. Fortunately for me, he didn’t stop there.
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing. Yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. Matthew 6:28-29
That verse amazed me because I experienced the Bible speaking directly to me as a young Christian. It was like God said, “Robin, why worry about your clothing?”
But when the Lord spoke to me, He didn’t stop with that question. No, He asked another one about my faith.
Do You Worry or Have Faith for Tomorrow?
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Matthew 6:30
Why did “I” have so little faith? I could have said because nothing had challenged my faith like that before. But faith in God should lead us beyond any worry for today or tomorrow.
Jesus didn’t allow any of the experiences His disciples went through to excuse them from having faith. When Peter began to sink after walking on the water, look at what Jesus said to him.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:31
The Lord doesn’t want us to worry or doubt about things today or what might happen tomorrow. In Matthew 6, He compared our lack of faith with how unbelievers think.
These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Matthew 6:32
We wouldn’t worry about tomorrow or any other time if we follow the instructions given in the next verse.
Seek God First
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
Let me explain the principle behind the verse. Before the things of tomorrow find a place in your mind, don’t let worry set in. Instead, seek God first and trust Him for all tomorrow’s outcomes.
I have experienced some very trying times through years of full-time ministry. Yet I’ll be the first to admit that, at times, I allowed worry to overstep my faith.
Then, one day, I consciously decided to stand secure in Jesus and my calling. In other words, I would enter each new tomorrow with faith and not worry.
My wife asked me how in the world I could do that. I told her I could do it with God’s help and because I had chosen to do it. Have I arrived? No! I have faltered some along the way.
But I come closer to that goal when I understand that today has enough of its own to handle. Therefore, I don’t need to throw any worry into the mix for tomorrow.
Lord, help us to bring all our concerns for the future to you. We know if we don’t, the things of tomorrow can easily become things to worry about.
Check out these related posts about putting your trust in the Lord.
- When Out of Your Comfort Zone, Trust God
- How to Trust God in Difficult Circumstances
- Put Your Trust In The Lord
- Trust In The Lord, He Will Never Fail You
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