Here's how to replace fear

David Bowman July 8, 2021

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"Therefore I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you" (Matthew 6:25, 33 CSB).

Every heart knows its own concerns. Fear returns every day to scare us with worries about something we may lack. This includes jobs and income, homes and clothing, automobiles and a sense of status.

Jesus here reminds us to place first things first. When we focus on what is most important, when we take care of that bit of business, downstream needs are always supplied. You may have heard it said, "Where God guides, God provides." This is more than a proverb, this is an enduring truth.

It was true for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was true for David and Daniel. It was true for Peter, Paul, and Mary. It was true for John and James and Jude also. It will be true for me, and it will be true for you.

Replace your worries with prayers of trust. When you are tempted to look at what you might lose, turn your focus toward what cannot be lost. Knowing and experiencing God means, as the Shepherd King put it, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." I shall not be in want. I shall not lack. I have all I need.

Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

1. Don't worry about today.

2. Don't worry about tomorrow.

3. Don't worry about what you need.

4. Trust God now and always.

Our Father, you know what we need. We trust you to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Empower us to live with confidence and contentment today. We belong to you. What more do we need? Amen.

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David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More »

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