Finding Peace in God's Hands: A Devotional on Matthew 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34
Introduction
Remember when Jesus calmed the storm? The disciples were terrified as the waves crashed against their boat. In the midst of the chaos, Jesus was asleep on a cushion. They woke him up, questioning if he even cared that they were about to perish. Jesus, however, was not shaken. He stood up, rebuked the wind and waves, and there was complete calm. This story illustrates the peace that Jesus offers us in the midst of life's storms.
Matthew 6:34 is a powerful verse that encourages us to focus on the present and trust God to handle the future. Worrying about tomorrow often robs us of the peace and joy we can find in today.
Historical and Literary Context
The Book of Matthew is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, and it plays a crucial role in providing a detailed account of Jesus' life, teachings, and ministry. It was written by Matthew, also known as Levi, a tax collector who became one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The book is believed to have been written between 70 and 110 AD, with many scholars leaning towards an earlier date around 80-90 AD.
Matthew's Gospel was written primarily for a Jewish audience, and its central aim is to prove that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Matthew frequently quotes the Old Testament and emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of these prophecies to establish his Messianic credentials. Furthermore, Matthew portrays Jesus as a new Moses, a lawgiver and teacher, who brings a new understanding of God's will and establishes a new covenant with God's people.
Matthew 6 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, which spans from chapters 5 to 7. The Sermon on the Mount is one of Jesus' most famous teachings, and it contains many of the core principles of Christian living. In this sermon, Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of religious practices and provides new perspectives on topics such as prayer, fasting, and worry. He emphasizes the importance of a sincere and personal relationship with God, as opposed to mere external rituals.
In the broader context of Matthew 6, Jesus addresses the issue of worry in relation to the concept of seeking God's kingdom above all else. He teaches his followers to prioritize their relationship with God and to trust that He will provide for their needs. Jesus uses examples from nature, such as birds and flowers, to illustrate God's care and provision. This emphasis on trust and reliance on God serves as the foundation for Jesus' exhortation in verse 34 not to worry about tomorrow.
Understanding the historical and literary context of Matthew 6 enriches our understanding of verse 34. Jesus' teachings on worry are not isolated advice but are part of a broader theme of prioritizing God and seeking His kingdom above all else. This holistic understanding allows us to better grasp the intent and depth of Jesus' message in Matthew 6:34.
Meaning of Matthew 6:34
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus provides a powerful teaching on worry and trust in God. To better understand the verse's significance, let's examine each key phrase and the broader themes it connects to within the passage.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow": Jesus begins by instructing us not to concern ourselves with the future. This exhortation follows His earlier teachings in the chapter, where He encourages His followers to trust in God's provision for their needs. By telling us not to worry about tomorrow, Jesus is reinforcing the message of reliance on God and His care for us.
"for tomorrow will worry about itself": This phrase highlights the futility of worrying about the future. Jesus reminds us that each day comes with its own set of concerns and that focusing on the worries of tomorrow can divert our attention from the present. By asserting that tomorrow will worry about itself, Jesus is encouraging us to recognize the limitations of our control over the future and to place our trust in God's sovereign guidance.
"Each day has enough trouble of its own": Jesus acknowledges that life is full of challenges and difficulties. However, instead of being overwhelmed by these troubles, He encourages us to face them one day at a time. This approach allows us to manage life's challenges more effectively and to rely on God's strength and wisdom in the process.
In summary, the meaning of Matthew 6:34 is rooted in the broader themes of trust in God and prioritizing His kingdom. Jesus teaches us to let go of our concerns for the future and to focus on the present, trusting that God will provide for our needs and guide us through life's difficulties. This message is not just about worry but also about our relationship with God and the importance of seeking His kingdom above all else. By understanding these connections, we can more fully grasp the depth and significance of Jesus' words in this verse.
Application
To apply the teachings of Matthew 6:34, we must learn to trust God with our future and focus on the present. Here are some practical steps to help us do that:
Pray for God's guidance: Start each day with prayer, asking God to lead you and give you wisdom for the challenges you will face.
Focus on today's tasks: Make a list of what needs to be accomplished today and prioritize those tasks. Resist the urge to worry about what lies ahead.
Surrender your fears: When worries about the future creep in, give them to God. Pray for the faith to trust that He will handle your concerns.
Cultivate gratitude: Practice thankfulness for the blessings in your life, even the small ones. Gratitude helps to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have.
Seek support: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and pray for you as you navigate life's challenges.
Conclusion
Jesus' words in Matthew 6:34 remind us to trust God with our future and focus on the present. By doing so, we can find peace and joy in the midst of life's storms and uncertainties. We must learn to let go of our concerns for tomorrow and trust that God is in control. As we apply these teachings to our lives, we can experience the peace that Jesus offers, even when we face challenges and difficulties.
Prayer for the Day
Lord, thank You for Your constant presence and care in my life. Help me to trust You with my future and to focus on the tasks and challenges of today. When worry creeps in, remind me to surrender my fears to You and to find peace in Your loving embrace. Teach me to be grateful for the blessings You have given me and to lean on the support of fellow believers. Amen.
