Wisdom for Anxious Days: Seek First the Kingdom of God
by Rev Inderjit Bhogal — shared during Zoom morning worship, May 2020
Matthew 6:25-34
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34)
These words are part of what is termed Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Imagine Jesus sharing reflections with people as he sat on a hillside. Many were there with their anxieties. They were living in times of Roman occupation and oppression. They were living in fear, worried about their future, and looking for wisdom.
We could imagine we are sitting with Jesus on Wincobank Hill with our anxieties.
The wisdom is: do not be overly anxious about the future, live in the present by clear values. There are three pieces of wisdom that precede the words in verse 34:
1. “Look at the Birds”
You don't have to travel far for this. Just look out of the window. Listen to the bird song. They work and play, and are melodious.
2. “Consider the Lilies”
I like the word “consider”. It suggests pay close attention, study, be inquisitive, explore, appreciate. There is immense beauty in lilies, visitors to them like bees and butterflies, and wider nature.
Spend some time with birds and plants. Time with nature offers nurture, nourishment, rest, refreshment and time to reflect. Getting close to soil can be healing.
3. “Seek first the Kingdom of God”
Direct your life by this rule. By rule I do not mean instruction, but way of life. Jesus is encouraging his followers to put their lives and anxieties into the wider context of the wellbeing God desires for all people.
Make the most of each day. Live one day at a time. Appreciate good things around you. Seek the Kingdom and righteousness of God, “and all these things will be given to you as well”.