Trusting our Needs to God – Matthew 6:13

Do not worry then, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “’What will we wear for clothing?”

A lifetime of prudence left me feeling I had prepared my nest egg well. I had saved diligently throughout my working career, diversified my investments, lived below my means, faithfully tithed, gave to worthy causes and to individuals in need, and avoided debt. I thought I was in great shape, and then the bottom fell out of the stock market. As stock values fell from precipitous heights, I stood helpless as the investments of a lifetime shrunk before my eyes.

As I watched my riches slip away, small scale as they were, I knew the Lord was performing a much-needed cleansing in me. I had taken comfort in my accumulation, feeling my nest egg would provide for a cozy retirement with plenty of money to do whatever I wanted, while He had called me to trust in Him for the air I breathe and the daily bread I eat.

He instructs us not to worry about tomorrow,[1] let alone the rest of our lives. Does He not give to His beloved even as we sleep?[2] Can we not trust that we, standing as righteous men and women through our holy association with Jesus Christ, will not be forsaken? Do we not believe that our descendants will never suffer the humiliation of begging for their bread?[3]

Place your confidence in the Sovereign King of the universe. Trust Him, your Father, with your dreams, plans, and hopes, asking Him to make them compatible with His gracious plan for your welfare and joy. Put your total, unreserved confidence in the Lord, and keep His faithfulness in your remembrance,[4] for it reaches to the heavens. Allow Him to use the faith-stretching opportunities you encounter to make you more like Jesus. Do not worry about anything,[5] and walk in the deliriously freeing promise that as we give the Lord first place, seeking His kingdom and His righteousness above and before all else, He will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.[6]

When the world lay crumbled at my feet
And wealth has slipped away
When all my hopes and plans and dreams
Have left me lost, betrayed
I choose You, I choose You

Although my life is different
Than just days ago
With phantoms of security
Swept into the muddy flow
I choose You, I choose You

Blinding mirage of treasures,
Gold, possessions gone
Vanished are the idols
That deceived me for so long

I’m stripped, but clothed in purest wool
Wrapped within Your Trinity
Emptied, yet by Your love full
Your grace has covered over me

For amidst the loss, amidst the pain
In suffering, your love sustains
And through all things,
My one refrain
Is I choose You, my Prince, my Everything
I choose You, my Lord, my King

[1] Matthew 6:34

[2] Psalm 127:2

[3] Psalm 37:25

[4] Psalm 78:7

[5] Philippians 4:6

[6] Matthew 6:33