How to have Everything We Need

 Most people seem to be consumed with having everything they need to make them happy. One problem is that they think that "things" can actually cause them to be really happy. Therefore, their days are consumed with thinking about what they will have to eat, morning, noon, and night. They look to food to bring them happiness. Also, they think that if they can have just the right clothes, everything will go so much better for them. All of this is so shallow, and it doesn't really accomplish anything that is lasting and meaningful.

Jesus was very clear about what we need to do to have everything we need, not just what we need for happiness, but what we need for all of life. (Matthew 6:31,33) "So don't worry about these things saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?'... Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." This is one of the greatest promises of God in the whole Bible. Please, take a minute to think about it.

How much time do we spend thinking about what we will eat three time a day or more? How much time do we spend picking out our clothes for the day and also shopping for the clothes we will wear? I believe for many of us this consumes a large amount of time. Do we spend the same amount of time seeking what God wants us to do each day? Do we consider what He wants us to eat and drink and wear? I believe Jesus is trying to show us that we are allowing our minds and hearts to be filled up with the wrong things. God knows we need those things. He loves us, and He will take care of us, if we will do two things well.

If our minds are focused on God and His Kingdom, we will have a totally different attitude toward life. We will see what is really important and focus on that. If we are focused on living righteously, so that we are doing what is needed to be right with God and with other people, our life will be very pleasing to God. When He sees us doing those two things consistently, He promises to give us everything we need for life. It might not be what we would have chosen, but it is all we need to do His will, and doing His will is best, most joyful life we can ever have.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Matthew 9-11.