Week #4: Trusting God For Today
Blog Series Intention Recap:
This four-week series for Thanksgiving teaches us that our lives, plans, and hopes for the future are in good hands. Christians are called to become like Christ in the here and now, entrusting the future to a God who always works for their best in the world. This sermon series reminds us that God’s Providence will take care of tomorrow as long as we live justly today. Join us as we dig into the theological concept of “Providence.”
This post is part of the series “He Holds the Future.” Click here to check out the other posts.
Let’s jump into Week #4:
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us valuable lessons about trust, anxiety, and living in the present. In Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus speaks directly to our worries and fears about the future. He reminds us that God holds our future in His hands, and our main focus should be on living righteously today.
Jesus begins by telling His followers not to worry about their lives—what they will eat, drink, or wear. He points to the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, noting how God provides for them. Jesus emphasizes that if God cares for the birds and flowers, how much more will He care for us, His beloved children.
The Kingdom First
In verse 33, Jesus says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This means that our primary goal in life should be to live according to the values of God’s kingdom. We should strive to follow the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, show the fruit of the Spirit, wear the armor of God, and conform to the image of Christ. If we focus on these things, God promises to take care of our needs.
We often find ourselves anxious about the future. We worry about what will happen tomorrow, next week, or even years from now. Jesus tells us not to be consumed with these thoughts. In verse 34, He says, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Trusting God’s sovereignty
Jesus reminds us that God is sovereign and in control, which means that He has ultimate authority and power over all things. This sovereignty assures us that nothing happens outside of God's knowledge and will. He is our caretaker and provider, ensuring that our needs are met and our lives are guided according to His divine plan. We don’t have to be haunted by the uncertainties of tomorrow because the God who holds all horizons is in control. This means that no matter what challenges or unknowns we face in the future, God is already there, preparing the way and providing for us. His control over all aspects of time and creation means that we can live with confidence and peace, knowing that our future is in the hands of a loving and faithful God.
We can trust God with our future because He is faithful today and every day. His past faithfulness gives us the assurance that He will continue to be faithful. In the Scriptures, we see countless examples of God's faithfulness to His people, fulfilling His promises and providing for their needs. This same God who was faithful to Abraham, Moses, David, and countless others, is the same God who is faithful to us. Therefore, we can rest in the knowledge that God's care and provision are not just historical facts but present realities. As we navigate the uncertainties and anxieties of life, we can lean on the unchanging nature of God’s character—His steadfast love, mercy, and grace. This profound trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness allows us to focus on living righteously today, free from the paralyzing fear of what tomorrow may bring.
Examples of Faithfulness and Trust
Biblical Examples
Abraham
Faithfulness to God: Abraham is known for his unwavering faith in God. He left his homeland and followed God's call to a land he did not know (Genesis 12:1-4). His faithfulness was further demonstrated when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting in God's promise (Genesis 22:1-18).
Ruth
Faithfulness to Naomi: Ruth, a Moabite woman, showed extraordinary loyalty and faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and adopted her people and her God (Ruth 1:16-17). Her faithfulness was rewarded by God, and she became the great-grandmother of King David.
Daniel
Faithfulness to God in Adversity: Daniel remained faithful to God despite being taken captive and living in a foreign land. He continued to pray to God even when it meant being thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6). God honored Daniel's faithfulness by protecting him.
Joseph
Faithfulness despite Hardships: Joseph endured numerous trials, including being sold into slavery by his brothers and being falsely imprisoned. Despite these hardships, he remained faithful to God and was eventually elevated to a position of great authority in Egypt, where he saved many from famine (Genesis 37-50).
Cultural Examples
Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Faithfulness to Frodo: Samwise is a paragon of loyalty and faithfulness. Throughout their perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, Sam remains steadfastly by Frodo's side, providing support, encouragement, and unwavering loyalty even in the face of immense danger.
Alfred Pennyworth (Batman series)
Faithfulness to Bruce Wayne: Alfred, the loyal butler, and guardian of Bruce Wayne, consistently supports and aids him, both as Bruce Wayne and Batman. His faithfulness is evident in his unwavering commitment to Bruce's mission and well-being.
Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan
Faithfulness of a Teacher: Anne Sullivan’s dedication to Helen Keller is a profound example of faithfulness. Despite the challenges, Sullivan's relentless effort to teach Keller, who was deaf and blind, transformed Keller's life and enabled her to achieve great things.
Mother Teresa
Faithfulness in Service: Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. Her unwavering commitment to helping those in need, despite the hardships and challenges, is a powerful example of faithfulness and compassion.
These examples highlight how faithfulness can manifest in different contexts, whether through unwavering trust in God, loyalty to loved ones, or dedication to a cause. Each story underscores the importance of steadfastness and reliability in various aspects of life.
Dealing with Anxiety
Anxiety can be debilitating, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily life. It can cloud our minds, disrupt our peace, and hinder our ability to function effectively. The movie "Beau Is Afraid" vividly portrays this reality through the character of Beau, who is consumed by irrational fears. These fears take over his life, creating a state of constant chaos and unrest. Beau’s life becomes a tumultuous journey marked by a lack of peace, stability, and direction, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked anxiety.
As Christians, we are reminded that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). This verse reassures us that fear and anxiety do not come from God. Instead, God equips us with the strength and ability to overcome these feelings. The power He gives us enables us to face challenges boldly, the love He instills within us helps us to care for others and ourselves, and the self-control He provides allows us to manage our thoughts and actions effectively.
While we may struggle with anxiety, we can find comfort in knowing that our future is not subject to chaos but to the sovereignty of our loving Father. Unlike the fictional world of Beau, where fears dictate reality, our lives are governed by a God who is in complete control. God’s sovereignty means that He oversees all aspects of our lives and nothing happens outside His knowledge and will. This divine control assures us that, despite our fears and anxieties, our future is secure in His hands.
Moreover, God's love for us is deep and unchanging. He cares deeply about our well-being and desires to provide us with peace and security. In moments of anxiety, we can turn to Him in prayer, seeking His comfort and guidance. His promises throughout Scripture remind us that we are never alone in our struggles. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
By trusting in God's sovereignty and love, we can combat the debilitating effects of anxiety. We can remind ourselves of His past faithfulness and draw strength from His unchanging nature. Our faith allows us to replace fear with trust, knowing that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Thus, we can navigate life's uncertainties with a sense of peace, grounded in the knowledge that our heavenly Father is always with us, guiding and protecting us every step of the way.
Living for Today
In today’s passage, Jesus commands us to focus on two main things: the righteousness of the kingdom and the responsibilities of today. By doing this, we can have confidence that our Father in heaven will take care of everything else. God’s faithfulness should give us courage to live in the present moment, to live for today, and to trust Him with our future.
Here are some practical steps to help us live according to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:25–34:
Prioritize God’s Kingdom: Make living according to God’s values your primary goal. Study the Sermon on the Mount, exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, and wear the armor of God.
Trust in God’s Provision: Remember that God cares for you more than the birds and flowers. Trust that He will provide for your needs as you seek His kingdom.
Focus on Today: Concentrate on the tasks and responsibilities of today. Avoid being consumed with worries about the future.
Pray for Peace: When anxiety arises, turn to prayer. Ask God for peace and trust in His sovereignty.
Reflect on God’s Faithfulness: Remind yourself of times when God has been faithful in your life. Let these memories bolster your trust in His care for your future.
So, How Does This Help Me Understand “He Holds the Future?”
In Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus teaches us to trust in God’s provision and to focus on living righteously today. We are reminded that God is in control and that we do not need to worry about the future. By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can live confidently in the present, knowing that God will take care of everything else. As Christians, let us live in the present moment, fully trusting in our faithful and loving Father.
