“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (ESV). Jesus came so that we may have life, but not just an ordinary life, but a life of freedom. He gave us freedom so that we may be free to not worry about things in life that can overtake us. Let’s look at Matthew 6:30-33:
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (MSG)
I don’t know about you, but that Scripture makes me feel silly when I start to worry about things! Jesus promises us that every human concern will be met. That includes what we will eat, what we will wear, where we will live, ect. The Lord is always working things out for us, because He is not bound to space and time like we are. God knows the end from the beginning, and He will make sure that you have everything you need.
But another thing I love about this version of the Bible is how it ends with “Don’t worry about missing out.” In a generation filled with parties and other things the Lord calls us to stay away from, we as Christians, admit it or not, feel like we are missing out, like we are not having a fun time. But let’s think about this way of thinking. Chances are, the people out on a Friday night at a party don’t know Jesus. What a horrible thing! But think about the privileges that you-a child of God-have just in know Jesus as your Savior. For one, your future is secure. Jesus died to forgive your sins and secure a place for you in heaven with the Lord for all of eternity. Think about it- one of the things most people fear is death, and the reality of that is because they don’t know where they are going when they die. You know that when you die you are going to heaven and be with our Lord forever! Also, you have a direct line to the One who can comfort you, take care of you, wipe away your tears, you have a best friend who loves you more than any earthly person ever could! Because you know the Lord, you don’t have to worry about being abandoned, people will come and go, but the Lord’s arms are always open for you! You don’t have to turn to worldly pleasures because you have found the One whom the human heart longs for, and even cooler than that- He has found you!
From a human perspective, your life may look like nothing is figured out. But we are human, and the Lord is not. Therefore, it is important to be in prayer with the One who can actually do something about your situation. You are not missing out on anything when you are truly waiting on God’s timing and His will for your life to unfold.
This is the life that Christ wants you to live: a worry-free life, basking in His grace, knowing that your future is sure. You are found in Him, what more could you ask for? What more could you worry about? The One who knows the stars by name is holding on to your hand, and is ready for you to step out and enjoy your life!
Prayer: Dear God, thank you so much that through Jesus, we can have abundant life. We don’t have to worry about anything because You are already taking care of it. Thank you that when I am waiting on You and your timing, I am not missing anything, for you are preparing great things for me. I love you, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Scripture Reflections:
Psalm 147:4- “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name”