God Knows What You Need
'For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. '
—Matthew 6:32-33
God already knows what you need.
When we spend energy trying to take care of everything by ourselves, we run right past all the unique ways that God intends to provide for us. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:27, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” When we obsess over material things (even necessary things) to the point of anxiety, we aren’t really getting any closer to peace.
The audience Jesus spoke to initially had even more reasons than we do to be anxious. That world couldn’t have imagined the kind of lifestyle we live today. If this teaching applies to those less fortunate than us, it also applies to us.
We don’t have to spend our energy worrying about our lives because God has promised to watch over and provide for his people. Psalms 37:25 says, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” It doesn’t make sense to ask God for something he has already provided!
Still, living a life of dependence on God is a significant risk, mainly because you will be confronted with countless moments where you can’t see around the corner to what God has in store. It is nerve-racking to be in a position of vulnerability and not immediately scramble to the first solution that comes to mind.
I’m not saying that we can live reckless and foolish lives. Jesus isn’t telling you to go on a shopping spree because he will take care of it. He’s not saying to wait for your clothes and food to appear on your doorstep magically. Jesus is teaching us about how we trust him and lean into his kingdom.
Regarding the day-to-day things we need, we trust the Father to provide and do our best to follow his voice and live in the truth obediently. If we can trust God to lead us into safety and stability, we can focus on seeking his kingdom. And the closer we get to the kingdom, the more open we are for the provisions God gives.
When we live in fear and anxiety, we resist God's provision whether we want to or not. Anxiety wants to take control and cause blindness. It closes our hearts off so we cannot see a way out. Fear has been the root of faithlessness for so many. It’s hard to trust God for the things of his kingdom if you aren’t willing to trust him with breakfast.
Let the burden of anxiety break under this simple truth: Your heavenly Father already knows what you need. When you feel anxiety creep in, pray to your father, “God, I believe you already know I need this. Help me see the ways you are providing.” Then, seek the kingdom. Maybe every moment of need could become an invitation to know more of God’s good grace.
