May 14

God Will Provide

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. — Matt 6:33 BSB

We are not to worry about our own lives, about food or clothing, because that’s God’s responsibility, not ours. But there is one thing we should focus on—our duty. We should take thought about doing God’s will and fulfilling our role in His world.

This is something we need to understand clearly. Too many people are more concerned about their food and clothing—afraid they will be left in want—than they are about doing their duty well. They are more anxious about God’s role in their lives than their own. They worry that God may not take care of them but don’t seem to fear that they may fail in their own responsibility to Him. We need to understand that providing for our needs is God’s business, not ours. We have no part in it. But we have everything to do with our duty—our work, and doing God’s will. God will never do these things for us. If we neglect them, they will remain undone. But if we fulfill our duty faithfully, God will provide for us.

The highest life possible in this world is one of simple consecration to Christ and duty, without anxiety about anything else. We may not always have luxurious food or wear fine clothes, but we will always have enough food to sustain us and clothing to keep us warm. And if we ever find ourselves near starvation? Well, we should continue doing our part and not worry—God will provide in due time. This is what our Lord promises. The truth is, too many of us spend more time worrying about how we’ll be provided for than about doing our duty. But when we do this, we forfeit the promise and may suffer. How much better it is to focus on our work and trust God to provide!