Trust God with Your Whole Life

[SERay]

There is scarcely any sin against which Jesus warns his disciples, than allowing ourselves to be distracted by the cares of this life. This obsession with provision often ensnares the poor as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a just care about temporal things which is a duty, though we must not carry these cares too far.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear." Luke 12:22

We are instructed not to worry about the length of our days; but turn it over to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our journey are in his hands and written in his book since before time. We are not to chase after the comforts of this life; but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. One might be found adorned in wealth while another in abject servitude, according to his wisdom. Food and clothing God has promised without hesitation, therefore we may expect them.

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" Matthew 6:31

Take no thought for the tomorrow, for the time will come despite our concerns of it.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34

Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. Not to think upon our death, or the length of days. Additionally, we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for tomorrow, or the events of it. God has given us both physical life, and has given us life through his Son, the greatest of gifts. And what can he not do for us, who provided grace unmerited? If we care first for our souls and for eternity, which are more than the body and its life, we may leave it to God to provide for us food and clothing, which are menial in comparison.

To improve our understanding of this is to trust in God more. God would have us reconcile ourselves to our worldly estate, as we do to our stature. We cannot alter His Providence; therefore it would be prudent to submit and resign ourselves to our lot whatsoever we may find ourselves. Be single-minded about the eternal value of our souls is the best cure for being concerned for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, and make the faith our first task. Saying not that such a choice is a sure path to starvation; no, it is the way to be well provided for, even in this world.

The conclusion of the whole matter is, that it is the will and command of the Lord Jesus, that by daily prayers ask for strength to bear us up under our daily troubles, and to arm us against the temptations that are constantly laid before us, and then let none of these things move us. Happy are those who take the Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves wholly to his guidance. Lord, let your Spirit convince us of sin in the desire of this disposition, and take away the worldliness that constantly encroaches upon our hearts.