Note: We are traveling this week on our way out to family reunions in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Early this week we are in Nashville visiting Brooksyne's sister, Elaine. We intend to post several Daily Encouragement messages while traveling depending on time and internet.

Message summary: Christ’s prescription for worry is very clear: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness".

During our trip we will not be preparing a podcast (due to extra equipment needed for set ups at each hotel. The voice quality is undependable as well.)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

What are you worried about today? On a personal level it may be family, finances or health issues. Beyond our own concerns we see so much happening in our nation and the world that can cause us to worry.

I spoke to a friend who is dealing with some severe challenges in his business. I could tell he had a matter which was heavy on his heart. We both have faith in the Lord and he said to me quite earnestly, “We’re not supposed to worry are we?”

He already knew the answer but he was looking to me for some Scriptural encouragement. Sometimes deep in our hearts we already know the answer but need the reminder and perspective others have to offer.

One of the great kingdom principles is stated in today's verse which many of you have memorized. Jesus is preaching what we call the “Sermon on the Mount” and is summing up the portion dealing with worry (Matthew 6:25-34). Jesus addressed a condition common to people of all generations including his own. Though some worry more than others I’ve never met anyone who has never worried at some point in their life! But Jesus emphatically states, “Do not be worried about your life” (Matthew 6:25).

Many years ago I read a short booklet by Jay Adams titled “What to Do About Worry”. He defines worry as “concern about something that one can do nothing about, and that he cannot even be sure about".

I recognize that when I worry about a matter I am simply not trusting in God. At any given moment I could list a number of very specific issues in my life that are matters of worry to me. The underlying Greek word for worry is “merimnao”, which can have the sense “to turn over and over in the mind". That’s just what I do, considering various courses and outcomes, turning the worrisome situation over and over in my mind.

Christ’s prescription for worry is very clear: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". His promise is equally clear, “all these things shall be added unto you”. “These things” refer to the basic essentials of life such as food and clothing. Another promise states, “My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Today let us seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. He ever remains a “rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Finally, let me share a portion that I committed to memory many years ago that so powerfully addresses this situation: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7).

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Jesus, You know my tendency to worry and fret about circumstances and people dear to my heart.  Thank You for giving me Scriptural wisdom in how to deal with this ongoing weakness that robs me of Your joy and peace.  As I seek first Your kingdom I will look to Your Word rather than the unending problems that lead me to a worrisome state of mind.  As I read Scripture over and over that pertains to my needs, it replaces the time spent worrying over and over about the problems at hand.  Meditation on Your Word is similar to worry in that I turn Scriptural promises over and over in my mind which replace worrisome thoughts with divine wisdom and peaceful reassurance as my heart.  Help me to seek You above all else and trust Your overflowing provision for all that concerns me today. It is in Your name that I pray. Amen.

"Seek Ye First"  Watch on YouTube  Maranatha Singers

"Fear Is Not My Future"   Watch on YouTube  Brandon Lake