Together in Christ: 'Stay in the Day' — Matthew 6:34

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

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[Jesus told his closest followers,] "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
— Matthew 6:34 NLT

Key Thought

Worry saps the joy out of life and the strength out of our souls. Jesus taught us that worry is destructive and accomplishes nothing that is holy, healthy, or positive. He stated the truth plainly just a few verses before today's verse:

"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

"And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?" [1]

Jesus insisted that we do not worry. We should stay focused on the present because it has enough to keep us busy. Instead of worrying, we can choose to trust God and believe in His good future for us. Only God knows what lies ahead, so we can leave our lives in His hands. [2] Most importantly, He has promised to walk with us, never abandon us, and bring us to Himself! [3]

The apostle Paul gave us a great strategy on how to combat our worry and choose to trust in God:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
 
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [4]

Instead of worrying, let's stay focused on the present and place everything in God's hands, trusting He will provide what we need and get us to where we need to be when we need to be there! [5]

[1] Matthew 6:27-30.
[2] Isaiah 46:10; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 10:28.
[3] Romans 8:28-39; Hebrews 13:5-6.
[4] Philippians 4:4-7.
[5] We must recognize the difference between worrying and planning. The Bible points to the need for planning (for example, Proverbs 21:5; Luke 14:28-31; Acts 6:1-6), but we must also recognize that God may want us to change our plans (Acts 16:6-10; James 4:13-16).

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for loving me, caring about my struggles, and assuring my future. Jesus, You are my great Shepherd who gave His life to redeem me and rose from the grave to assure my future with You. Holy Spirit, You are the presence of God inside me, sent to lead and comfort me. I know You will never leave me. Please, empower my life as I seek to honor Jesus as Lord and calm my restless Spirit so I find my rest, hope, and joy in You! Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:28-39; Philippians 4:4-8, 19
  • Psalm 23:1-6; John 10:11-15

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:34 NLT — [Jesus told his closest followers,] "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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