Sermon: "Living in the Present: Trusting God for Tomorrow"
Text: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." – Matthew 6:34 (KJV)
Introduction:
In a world that is constantly pushing us to plan, prepare, and worry about the future, Jesus offers us a radical perspective: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow." These words, spoken during the Sermon on the Mount, are not just a casual suggestion but a profound spiritual principle. They call us to live in the present, trusting God for tomorrow. Today, we will explore what it means to live free from anxiety about the future, embracing the sufficiency of God's grace for each day.
1. The Context of Jesus' Teaching:
To fully grasp the depth of this verse, we must understand its context. In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses the human tendency to worry—about food, clothing, and the basic necessities of life. He reminds His listeners that God cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and how much more will He care for His children? Jesus is not advocating for irresponsibility or a lack of planning. Instead, He is challenging us to examine our hearts and priorities. Are we consumed by anxiety about the future, or are we trusting in the provision and faithfulness of God?
2. The Problem of Anxiety:
Anxiety is a universal human experience. It stems from our desire to control the uncontrollable. We worry about tomorrow because we cannot see it, and we fear what we do not know. Yet, Jesus tells us that worry is unproductive. In Matthew 6:27, He asks, "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" Worry cannot change our circumstances; it only robs us of peace and joy in the present moment.
Anxiety also reveals a lack of trust in God. When we fret about the future, we are essentially saying, "God, I don't believe You can handle this." But the Bible assures us that God is sovereign. He holds the future in His hands, and His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11). Therefore, anxiety is not just a mental or emotional struggle; it is a spiritual battle against doubt and fear.
3. The Sufficiency of Today:
Jesus says, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." In other words, each day has enough challenges of its own. We don't need to borrow trouble from tomorrow. When we focus on the present, we can better handle the tasks and trials before us. This is not a call to ignore the future but to approach it with faith rather than fear.
Think about the Israelites in the wilderness. God provided manna for them each day, but they were only to collect enough for that day (Exodus 16:4). If they tried to store extra, it would spoil. This was a lesson in trust. God wanted them to rely on Him daily, not on their own stockpiles. Similarly, Jesus invites us to depend on God's provision one day at a time.
4. The Call to Trust:
Trusting God for tomorrow requires faith. It means surrendering our plans, our desires, and our fears to Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." When we trust God, we can rest in the assurance that He is in control.
Trust also involves gratitude. When we focus on the blessings of today, we are less likely to worry about tomorrow. The Apostle Paul, who faced countless trials, wrote, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). Gratitude shifts our perspective from what we lack to what we have, and from what we fear to what we hope for in Christ.
5. Practical Steps to Live in the Present:
How can we apply Jesus' teaching in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:
Pray Daily: Start each day with prayer, surrendering your worries to God. Ask Him to give you the strength and wisdom to face the day's challenges.
Focus on Priorities: Identify what truly matters and let go of what doesn't. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33 to "seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness," and all else will be added unto us.
Practice Mindfulness: Be fully present in each moment. Whether you're working, spending time with loved ones, or resting, give your full attention to the task at hand.
Limit Distractions: In a world filled with noise and distractions, create space for silence and reflection. Spend time in God's Word and allow His truth to renew your mind.
Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate the blessings of each day, no matter how small. This cultivates a heart of gratitude and contentment.
6. The Promise of God's Faithfulness:
Jesus' command to not worry about tomorrow is rooted in the character of God. He is faithful, and His promises are sure. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." Every day is a new opportunity to experience God's love and provision.
When we trust God with our future, we can face each day with confidence. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow. As the hymn says, "Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand."
Conclusion:
Jesus' words in Matthew 6:34 are an invitation to live differently—to live free from the burden of worry and anxiety. They call us to trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God, to focus on the present, and to embrace each day as a gift. As we do so, we will discover a deeper sense of peace and joy, knowing that our future is secure in His hands.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which reminds us to trust in You and not to worry about tomorrow. Help us to live in the present, embracing each day as a gift from You. Strengthen our faith and fill our hearts with gratitude. May we rest in the assurance that You are in control and that Your plans for us are good. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
1. The Context of the Manna Miracle
The Israelites had just been delivered from slavery in Egypt through God’s mighty hand. They witnessed the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. Yet, as they entered the wilderness, they quickly began to grumble and doubt God’s provision. In Exodus 16:2-3, they complained to Moses and Aaron, saying, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Their complaint reveals a lack of trust in God, despite His miraculous deliverance. In response, God promised to provide for them in a way that would test and strengthen their faith. He said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not” (Exodus 16:4).
2. The Daily Provision of Manna
God provided manna, a miraculous bread-like substance that appeared on the ground each morning. The Israelites were instructed to gather only enough for that day—about an omer (roughly two quarts) per person. If they tried to store extra, it would spoil and breed worms (Exodus 16:19-20). On the sixth day, however, they were to gather a double portion to prepare for the Sabbath, a day of rest, and it would not spoil (Exodus 16:22-26).
This daily provision was a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness. It taught the Israelites to rely on Him one day at a time, rather than hoarding or worrying about the future. It was a lesson in trust, obedience, and contentment.
3. The Spiritual Lessons of the Manna
A. Trusting God’s Daily Provision
The manna was a physical representation of God’s care and provision. Just as He provided for the Israelites’ physical needs, He also provides for our spiritual and emotional needs. Jesus referenced this story when He taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). This prayer emphasizes our dependence on God for our daily sustenance, both physical and spiritual.
The manna also teaches us that God’s provision is sufficient for each day. We are not called to worry about tomorrow but to trust that God will provide what we need when we need it. As Jesus said, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).
B. Obedience in Small Things
God’s instructions about gathering manna were specific: gather only what you need for the day, and do not leave any until morning. Some Israelites disobeyed, trying to store extra manna, only to find it spoiled (Exodus 16:20). This disobedience revealed a lack of trust in God’s promise to provide again the next day.
Obedience in small things is a test of our faith. It shows whether we truly trust God’s Word and His promises. The manna story reminds us that God’s blessings are often tied to our obedience. When we follow His instructions, even when they don’t make sense to us, we experience His faithfulness in profound ways.
C. Contentment with God’s Timing
The Israelites had to wait each morning for the manna to appear. They couldn’t gather it the night before or stockpile it for the future. This required patience and contentment with God’s timing. In a culture that values self-sufficiency and long-term planning, this lesson is particularly challenging. We want to control our circumstances and secure our future, but God calls us to trust Him moment by moment.
Contentment is not about having everything we want but about trusting that God will provide what we need. As Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).
D. The Sabbath Rest
The double portion of manna on the sixth day and the absence of manna on the Sabbath point to the importance of rest. God designed the Sabbath as a day to cease from labor and focus on Him. By providing extra manna on the sixth day, God ensured that the Israelites could rest without worrying about their daily needs.
This principle reminds us that rest is not laziness but an act of trust. When we rest, we acknowledge that God is in control and that our work is not what sustains us—He does. In a world that glorifies busyness, the Sabbath is a gift that reorients our hearts toward God.
4. The Manna as a Foreshadowing of Christ
The manna was not just a physical provision; it was also a spiritual symbol. In John 6, Jesus referred to Himself as the “true bread from heaven” (John 6:32-35). Just as the manna sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, Jesus sustains us spiritually. He said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
The manna points us to the ultimate provision of God: His Son, Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides eternal life for all who believe in Him. Just as the Israelites had to gather the manna daily, we are called to abide in Christ daily, drawing our strength and sustenance from Him.
5. Applying the Manna Principle Today
The story of the manna is not just a historical account; it is a living lesson for us today. Here are some ways we can apply its principles:
Trust God for Daily Needs: Whether it’s food, finances, or emotional strength, we can trust God to provide what we need each day.
Practice Obedience: Even when God’s instructions don’t make sense, we are called to obey Him in faith, knowing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Cultivate Contentment: Instead of striving for more, we can learn to be satisfied with God’s provision and timing.
Embrace Rest: We can honor the Sabbath principle by setting aside time to rest and focus on God, trusting Him to take care of our needs.
Abide in Christ: Just as the Israelites depended on the manna, we must depend on Jesus as our spiritual bread, drawing our life and strength from Him.
Conclusion
The story of the manna is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and our need to trust Him daily. It challenges us to let go of our desire for control and to rest in the assurance that God will provide for us, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness. As we learn to depend on Him, we will discover a deeper sense of peace and contentment, knowing that our future is secure in His hands.
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