This post was written by Deb Brown Maher of Deb Brown Sales. To connect with Deb, see the information in the bio at the end of this post.
Every December I ask the Lord what he wants me to focus on in the coming year. I simply ask, “What are we focusing on next?,” and then pay attention to what he reveals. The answer develops as the Lord speaks to me through scripture, life circumstances, nature, and everyday conversations. This year he led me to Matthew 6:33.
I began my journey to deeply explore this passage by looking at the verse in context:
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34, ESV)
Here is the essence of each verse:
31: Don’t worry about your provision.
32: God knows exactly what you need.
33: Instead of worrying, seek his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all that you need will be provided.
34: Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow.
Can you relate to the gentle correction to stop worrying? We get to trade worry for trusting him for our provision. As we do that, he supplies all our needs. A simple concept not easily put into action because we are taught to be self-sufficient. Letting go of self-reliance and leaning on a God that you can’t see takes faith that can only be proven through experience.
We should position ourselves to experience God’s trustworthiness, which will build our faith. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Study the Bible
The written Word is how we learn about God and his ways. It is the firm foundation that helps us make wise, everyday decisions. We shouldn’t be concerned if we don’t understand everything as we read it. Just focus on what is clear and ask the Lord to build on our understanding. Proverbs 25:2 states that it is the glory of God to conceal things and the glory of kings to search it out. God weaves golden nuggets into his Word that he reveals as we (kings) search for them. He often shows a deeper meaning of familiar scriptures, just as he did for me with Matthew 6:33.
Study Aids to Illuminate Our Understanding
- Commentaries – I like to use Matthew Henry’s Commentary and the Dake Annotated Reference Bible.
- Bible Translations – I use Bible websites that make it easy to see one passage translated in various ways. Sometimes the wording in one version brings clearer understanding.
- Scriptural Cross-References – Cross-references improve understanding by pointing to related scriptures in other books of the Bible. For example, a cross reference on Matthew 6:33 is 1 Kings 3:10-12. When Solomon was about to become king, God said he’d give Solomon anything he asked for. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern Israel. God responded to that because Solomon sought God’s wisdom first. Solomon was also given extraordinary provision that he did not ask for.
Make a Choice to Put Your Trust in God Instead of Your Own Strength
If trusting God for the impossible is new to you, start with something small. Ask God to do something for you (that lines up with his will) and believe that he will do it. Exercise your belief and trust as you wait and watch for the fulfillment. Then give him the glory when he answers your request.
My husband and I recently rescued two stray kittens. One tested positive for a deadly disease, feline leukemia. Before knowing this, we had named her Victory. I prayed for God to heal her completely and to have her second blood test prove it. (Yes, God cares about our furry babies, knowing that they are precious to us. He loves them, too!)
I don’t mind sharing that it has been a test of my faith. By habit I began to worry, but quickly reminded myself that the Lord said not to. Instead, I stated that Victory already has victory over feline leukemia. I repeat that every time doubt tried to creep in.
All month I’ve had to remind myself that God keeps his promises, and that Victory is healed in Jesus’s name. Her second blood test is tomorrow, so I’ll let you know the final outcome. As of this writing, I am still believing for the impossible.
Ask the Lord What He Wants You to Focus on This Year
For Christians, everything starts with deepening our relationship with the Lord. Ask him to reveal what he wants to show you this year. Make a commitment to read his Word, believing that he will reveal the deeper things as you diligently seek him (Jeremiah 33:3). There are wonderful surprises and great joy that await you.
P.S. – Just before publication I received the good news that Victory’s test was negative! SHE IS HEALED. Praise God.
Featured photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash; In-text photo by Author
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