John Piper Devotional

7 Reasons Not to Worry, Part 3

“Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31–34)

Matthew 6 contains at least seven promises designed by Jesus to help us fight the good fight against unbelief and be free from anxiety. In Parts 1 and 2 we saw Promises 1–4; now we look at 5–7.

PROMISE #5: Do not be anxious then, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “With what shall we clothe ourselves?” For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things (Matthew 6:31–32).

Do not think that God is ignorant of your needs. He knows all of them. And he is your “heavenly Father.” He does not look on, indifferently, from a distance. He cares. He will act to supply your need when the time is best.

PROMISE #6: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

If you will give yourself to his cause in the world, rather than fretting about your private material needs, he will make sure that you have all you need to do his will and give him glory.

This is similar to the promise of Romans 8:32, “Will [God] not also with [Christ] freely give us all things?”

PROMISE #7: Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

God will see to it that you are not tested in any given day more than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). He will work for you, so that “as [your] days, so shall [your] strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25, KJV).

Every day will have no more trouble than you can bear; and every day will have mercies sufficient for that day’s stress (Lamentations 3:22–23).