[Jesus speaking]
Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

At times in my life, people have tried to use “fear”, or its cousin “blame”, to try and get me to do things I know are not right or lack integrity. There have been times when I have succumbed to this pressure and I regretted it. But more and more, God is reinforcing my resolve to uphold his justice and act in a way that brings him honor.

Many times when we worry about our clothes or what we will eat or drink it is connected to events outside of our control. Whether or not we succeed at our job, whether or not our city is safe, and possibly if we are dominated in life situations by bad people intent on doing evil to us.

Jesus (I believe knowing about these fears and worries) says not to worry even about basic needs for living. Why? 1) Because we are to trust God. 2) Because in the pursuit of worldly things over the things of God, we become selfish. 3) It means we are taking control of our own destiny. We are inserting ourselves as the problem-solver into a God-sized problem that God wants us to wait for him to solve.

Why then does he mention flowers and ravens? To wake us up from our earthly stupor. To help us see the evidence. Though all around us may be seeming to fall apart, God is in control; he delivers for his followers, and in the end — he wins! And that means his faithful win as well!

So seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness will always result in him blessing us, even though at the time it may cost us dearly. We must rise above the worry in our lives to REIGN IN VICTORY!

Lord, you know each of our daily challenges and victories, heartaches and joy, stresses and comforts. Teach me to rest in you. You are all I need!