Written by the staff at Theodyssey, an organization that helps people encounter God and be radically changed by the truth of His love. This is an excerpt from their study “When We Pray.”
Anxiety thrives when we live in imagined futures. Trust emerges when we live in the present. Jesus’ invitation to ask for daily bread is an invitation to be here – not five years ahead. When our hearts trust God as a loving Father, we know He will be with us through whatever happens. He doesn’t promise safety, comfort, and endless answered prayers. He promises to be enough for us. That allows us to slowly release anxiety and look for what’s in front of us. We see God at work and join Him. We notice a need and respond. We fully listen in a conversation and encourage. There is wisdom in stewardship and planning, yet we can be consumed by security. What would it look like to hold everything with open hands? To use every resource we have to participate in the Kingdom? That spare bedroom might be repurposed. The guests at our dining room table might look more diverse. Our calendar might have more margin to be available to our neighbors. Each conversation may feel more sacred. The invitation is for us to pursue the heart of dependence regardless of our circumstances. We become more present, available to step in where we see God at work – bringing the Kingdom into reality. We become more like Jesus for the sake of others.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. [Matthew 6:31-34]
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