But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34

There are still many troubled and anxious hearts. Telling people not to be anxious does not usually reduce their anxiety. But in the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord Jesus speaks of the care and attention of our heavenly Father. He knows what we need and graciously provides all that we have for our lives. He is the God who provides for the birds of the air and clothes the grass of the field. Yet, He cares even more for you, His beloved children.

So rather than telling you not to be anxious, permit me to remind you that God will provide all that you need for today. We need not burden ourselves with the anticipation and stress of how things will look in the fall or even in two weeks. Right now the greatest comfort and strength for leaders of churches and schools can be found in seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness. All of the other things will work out according to God’s design and purpose.

Many are overwhelmed by the pressures that are being faced right now. The solution is not a well-crafted plan, but a well-providing God. We can rest assured that all things will ultimately be alright, not because our plans work out so well but because God’s plans are that all things work together for good. Our workers need more time in God’s Word and less time making plans, more time in prayer and less time in meetings, more time seeking God’s kingdom. Thankfully, God’s kingdom comes even without our prayer, but we pray that we would turn away from the plans and the distractions today for a time to be reminded that everything that we need will be added unto us as well. We see the Father’s gracious providing in everything that has to do with the support and the needs of the body, but also all that the Holy Spirit works in our hearts that has to do with our souls, giving to us Christ Himself. May you be blessed this day by time to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness for God’s presence and His gifts drive far away the anxiety that troubles our hearts.

Prayer – O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan