QT 9/26/2024 Matt 6:30-34, We need to dump the selfishness and seek God to meet our needs

Matthew 6:30–34 (ESV) —

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

 

NOTE: "O you of little faith," that pretty much describes me. Instead of trusting, I am often scheming. Instead of believing, I am worrying. Instead of going to God in prayer, I'm considering my options first. I do go to God in prayer, but often too late, when I should go immediately. And I need to add a phrase to my prayer to remind me about God. "Answer me according to my needs, not according to my wants."

 

We do confuse "needs" and "wants." And consequently, we don't pray or trust God because we feel he has failed us, that is, he did not answer our prayer for a "want." We don't serve when it is inconvenient. We don't pray because we are focused on "wants." We don't grow because that takes time from the things we really want to do. We are selfish, selfish, selfish.

 

Who can rescue us or transform us? God can, but will we go to him and ask for his transformation? It might be inconvenient for what we want to do with our lives.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe that he cares enough to give up worrying?
2. Am I too focused on self?
3. Do I understand the difference between getting what I want and getting what I need?
4. Who am I really living for?

 

PRAYER: Father, we are a selfish people, sin is deep within our core being. It motivates us, drives us, confuses us. We call right, wrong; and wrong, right according to the dictates of our flesh. We are more worried about what others think about us, then what you think. Father, free us from our misery. Fill us with your Spirit. Help us to see life differently and to live not for selves but for you.