“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Each day has its concerns – some are carry-overs from yesterday, some are brand new. We wearily ask: “When will it all end?” As long as we are in this world, it will not end. “In the world ye shall have tribulation …” (John 16:33)
The cares of this life can swamp us. We can become so overwhelmed that we’re unable to think of little else. Questions to which we have no answers flood our mind: “What are we going to do about this or that?” The word of God, which should be flourishing in our heart, is crowded out by our own anxious thoughts. What are we to do when the “hits keep coming?”
The remedy Jesus gives is counterintuitive: trade concerns with God. Cast your cares on Him, and make His concerns yours. What is God’s first concern? Is it what we’re going to eat or wear? He indeed cares for our bodily welfare, but He wonderfully takes care of sparrows and flowers, and not one of them is worried. God wants us to shift our focus to what is of paramount importance to Him, which is submitting to Him as our King, and walking in His righteousness. The question that should fill our mind every day should be: “What do You want me to do, Lord? What should I be busy about? Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
There is so much we can do nothing about. We cannot add one cubit to our stature by taking thought. And if we overthink a thing we are apt to do something we shouldn’t. There is a rest of mind and spirit for those who sit at the Lord’s feet. Mary chose the one thing needful.
The Lord does have some things for you to give yourself to today. First, give yourself and your ear to Him. Then, get up and go forth, with the Lord’s voice ringing in your ears. If you must be busy, make sure it is your Father’s agenda that you’re tending to. The Lord will take care of everything else. If we carefully tend to God’s business, He will carefully watch over ours.