Devotional: A Verse That Changed My Life

”So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the kingdom of God, above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”-Matthew 6:31-34

In the Gospel of Matthew, God led me to Chapter 6, verses 19-34 one day when I cried out to Him. For the sake of this devotional, I will focus only on a few of the verses.

There was a time when everything seemed to be going well in my life. Then came a day, several years back, when life as I knew it began to crumble. I lost my job, and when I left there, I had all kinds of mixed feelings. Confusion, anger, sadness, fear. Little did I know I would have to fight for unemployment benefits for a few months and apply desperately to many jobs that never called.

During this time, I felt rejected, scared, and tired. Mentally tired.

But Jesus says: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28

During this time, the more I kept my eyes on my problems, the bigger they seemed.

But my mother stepped in and helped me see that I am more blessed than I think. I truly didn’t have anything to worry about.

During this time, I wanted to give up.

Not knowing the best thing was to give in to the One who will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19

_{Read a little of my testimony on my blog titled: He Will Give You Rest.}

Then one day, out of desperation, I cried out to Jesus.

You see, not only did Jesus take me back to his word, but He also reminded me of this very thing: If you are going to pray, then don’t worry. If you are going to worry, then don’t pray.

But what about you?

Is there something that you are battling with? Are you mentally or spiritually drained? Is there something that has been weighing on your heart and won’t leave your mind?

Are you currently in the wilderness season where things feel uncomfortable, uncertain, and often lonely?

Do you need to give in to Jesus and fall directly into His arms?

That is exactly what I did. I fell, but he held me and wouldn’t let go.

So I encourage you, if you need to cry out, then let the tears flow and cry out to Jesus. He loves you deeply. He is faithful and will provide for all your needs. Jesus said, ”That is why I tell you to not worry about everyday life – Whether you have enough food or drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing?” (v25)

If you are worried about the rising cost of food, housing, etc. Jesus told you to look at the birds; they don’t plant or harvest or store food away, because your Heavenly Father feeds them. And He will provide food and shelter for you too. Aren’t you more valuable than they are? (v26)

When I think about the beautiful pieces of clothing that hang in our closets or are still on our online wish lists, they are definitely a blessing to have, but they pale in comparison to how beautiful God has dressed the wildflowers. You don’t need a full closet to dress beautifully. You don’t need designer labels to feel worthy. Jesus said, ”If God cares wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? (v30)

No matter what you are going through, dealing with, or lacking, remember the words of Jesus.