Choosing Faith Over Worry - Matthew 6:25-32 and Matthew 6:33-34
Introduction
Today, we’re diving into a powerful teaching from Jesus about worry, a struggle that affects so many of us. We all face moments of anxiety—whether it’s about finances, health, relationships, or the future. But Jesus tells us something radical in Matthew 6. He invites us to put our faith in God, reminding us that God is not only able to care for us but is willing to meet our needs as we seek Him first.
Our key verses for today are Matthew 6:25-32 and Matthew 6:33-34. Let’s read them together from the New Living Translation:
“That is why I tell you not to 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? 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? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“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. 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?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”
Then in verses 33-34, Jesus gives us the command and promise that wraps this all up:
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
1. Recognising Our Value in God’s Eyes
Jesus begins with a question in verse 25: “Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” He’s drawing our focus to what truly matters. The Greek word for “worry” here, merimnao, literally means to be “divided” or “distracted.” Jesus is pointing out that worry divides our hearts, shifting our focus from God to the concerns of this life.
In verse 26, He illustrates this by pointing to the birds: “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?” Birds don’t have anxious thoughts; they simply trust God’s provision. And Jesus wants us to see ourselves through God’s eyes. He calls us “far more valuable” than these creatures He faithfully sustains.
Isaiah 43:4 (NLT) says, “Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honoured, and I love you.” God treasures each one of us. We don’t need to strive for His love or worry about His care because we are precious to Him.
Imagine a child who knows they are deeply loved by their parents. They trust that they will be fed and clothed, that they don’t need to worry about tomorrow. In the same way, God is inviting us to rest in His love and care.
Timothy Keller once said, “Worry is not believing God will get it right, and bitterness is believing God got it wrong.” Worry stems from a lack of trust in God’s goodness, but knowing how deeply He values us enables us to let go of anxiety and embrace trust.
Take a moment to remind yourself of how precious you are to God. When worry starts to creep in, remember that you are worth far more to Him than anything else in creation. Rest in the knowledge that He values and cares for you deeply.
2. Trusting in God’s Provision
Jesus continues with the lilies of the field: “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.” The lilies don’t labour or worry, yet God clothes them in splendour. Jesus is contrasting the temporary beauty of the lilies with the enduring care God has for us.
In verse 30, He says, “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.” The term “thrown into the fire” refers to the short-lived nature of the flowers. Even for things that last a day, God pours out beauty and care. How much more, then, will He care for us, whom He has created in His image and redeemed through His Son?
Philippians 4:19 (NLT) says, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” God’s provision is assured for those who trust in Him, and it flows from His abundant resources.
Think about a time you’ve seen an extravagant display of nature—perhaps a field of wildflowers or a beautiful sunset. God, who delights in beauty and provision, designed this creation for our enjoyment and sustenance. If He cares for the wildflowers, how much more does He care for you, His child?
Author Max Lucado reminds us, “God meets daily needs daily. Not weekly or annually. He will give you what you need when it is needed.” Our part is to trust, not to fret about tomorrow but to believe He will provide.
When you’re tempted to worry about your needs, take a moment to look around at the beauty of creation and remember that the same God who sustains the earth sustains you. He knows your needs and has promised to meet them.
3. Seeking God’s Kingdom First
Jesus tells us, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” The Greek word for “seek” here, zeteo, implies a continuous pursuit, not a one-time event. Jesus is instructing us to make God’s Kingdom—His rule, His reign, and His righteousness—our primary pursuit. When we prioritise God’s Kingdom, we align ourselves with His purposes, and our needs become secondary to His will.
The promise that follows is profound: “He will give you everything you need.” Our job is to focus on God’s will and righteousness, and God takes care of the rest. This doesn’t mean we sit idly by, but rather that we live with a Kingdom focus, trusting God to provide as we walk in obedience.
Psalm 37:4 (NLT) echoes this principle: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” When our hearts are aligned with God, our desires reflect His desires, and He blesses us as we seek Him.
Imagine two gardeners. One plants seeds and waters them daily, knowing that, over time, the plants will grow. The other constantly digs up the seeds, worrying if they’re growing. When we trust God and focus on His Kingdom, we’re like the patient gardener, knowing that God will bring growth and provision.
The kingdom of God is not about earning; it’s about effort. We do not earn our way to God’s blessing, but we put in the effort of trusting, seeking, and aligning ourselves with Him.
What would it look like in your life to seek God’s Kingdom first? Maybe it’s committing to prayer, serving others, or aligning your decisions with God’s Word. Whatever it is, trust that as you seek God, He will provide for you.
4. Choosing Faith Over Worry
Finally, Jesus concludes with these comforting words: “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Jesus recognises that each day has challenges, but He calls us to focus on today. When we worry about tomorrow, we miss the blessings and opportunities of the present.
In the original Greek, this command, “do not worry,” is in the present imperative, meaning it’s an ongoing command. Jesus is saying that we should continually choose faith over worry. He knows that life brings challenges, but He invites us to trust Him daily.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) encourages us, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” God’s care is a constant assurance, inviting us to release our burdens into His capable hands.
Consider a tightrope walker. They focus on each step they take, not on the end of the rope. In the same way, Jesus invites us to focus on each day, trusting Him with every step rather than being paralysed by worries about the future.
Corrie Ten Boom, a woman of great faith, said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Choosing faith over worry empowers us to live fully in the present.
When thoughts of tomorrow’s troubles invade your mind, bring them to God in prayer and ask for His peace. Live each day fully, knowing that God has your tomorrows in His hands.
Conclusion: Seeking First and Trusting Always
Friends, Jesus calls us to a new way of living—one marked by faith over fear and trust over worry. He invites us to see our value in God’s eyes, to rest in His provision, and to seek His Kingdom first.
Call to Action:
Let’s make a commitment today. Rather than letting worry dictate our lives, let’s choose to trust our faithful God. When anxiety arises, let’s refocus on God’s promises, standing firm in His love and care.
Invitation to Faith:
If you’ve never put your faith in Jesus, I invite you today. He loves you deeply and invites you to experience the peace that only He can give. Surrender your worries and fears to Him, and let Him fill you with His love and hope. Trust Him as your Saviour, and find the peace that comes from knowing you are in His hands.
