Author: Lori Casto

“Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:31-34

Telling someone not to worry when they are going through a difficult time can come across a little uncaring, it can even seem hypocritical. He who hasn’t worried please step forward.

Yet, during the “sermon on the mount”, Jesus addresses the subject of worry, and He instructs us not to. His Father knows exactly what we need when we need it. Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God instead. I suppose if we are busy seeking God and His righteousness first, we won’t have time to worry.

If we seek God and His righteousness first, we have a greater opportunity to become more like the one we are seeking. The one we are endeavoring to seek first doesn’t worry.

Earlier in the same scripture passage, Jesus asked this question:

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (V. 27)

I think we all know the answer to the above question. In fact, concern or care escalates to worry, worry to anxiety and anxiety to fear. Sometimes people even get ulcers over chronic worries.  1 Peter 5:7 says … cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

What burden, worry, care, or anxiety are you carrying around? Isn’t it time you cast your care on Him? Maybe you’ve given it to God already, but you’ve picked it back up? Today let’s seek Him first and cast our cares on Him.

How will you devote2day?

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

God can supply any and every need we have “according to His riches.” And do “way more than we are able to ask or think” Ephesians 3:20 His supply is endless in every area of our lives.

Here are just a few of areas in our lives in which He can supply:

Strength – 2 Corinthians 12: 9-11

Peace- Isaiah 26:3

Wisdom- James 1:5

Guidance- Proverbs 3:5-6

Grace – Romans 5:20-21

Mercy – Lamentations 3:22-23

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just (right), whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything (or excellent) praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

If we are thinking about anything that doesn’t pass this test in scripture, it’s not worth spending time thinking about.

Is it…

True; factual, correct, right

Noble; possessing very high or excellent qualities

Just; acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good

Pure; free from moral faults

Lovely; delightful, wonderful, beautiful

Of good report

Virtuous; honorable, righteous, upright, worthy

Praiseworthy; commendable

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, (Petition) with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Supplication- request; to ask humbly and earnestly of (Strongly, intently, intensely)

Petition- appeal a formal request made to an authority

The above scripture may be my absolute favorite, along with most of Philippians and especially the rest of chapter 4. Today I’m compelled to ask myself these questions:

Why so anxious?

Why is it important to be thankful?

When should I rejoice in the Lord?

Why should I rejoice in the Lord?

Where is God in my situation?

How is God’s peace different?

Today my intention is to rejoice and be thankful. I’d much rather live in God’s perfect peace than be anxious for anything. How will you devote2day?

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 NIV

       * Content- gratified, pleased, happy, satisfaction, enjoyment

Contentment can be found through the pursuit of Christ. Once we’ve made the most important decision we will ever make- asking Jesus to be our Lord and Savior- what we do next with our decision, becomes the second most important thing we ever do. Everyday our goal should be to pursue Christ. How do we pursue Christ?

1. Read God’s word
2. Pray
3. Praise
4. Fellowship with other believers
5. Attend church

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2: 20-21

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:1-5