Matthew 6:34
“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.”
Context: Let’s dive into a Bible study on Matthew 6:34, which is found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. Matthew 6:34 says:
This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches His disciples and the crowd about various aspects of kingdom living. In this particular verse, Jesus addresses the issue of anxiety and worry. Let’s explore the key themes and lessons we can draw from Matthew 6:34.
1. Living in the present: Jesus encourages His followers to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the future. He advises against being consumed by thoughts of tomorrow or what might happen in the future. Instead, He invites us to be fully present in the present day and to trust that God will provide for our needs.
2. The concept of "sufficient": Jesus uses the phrase "sufficient unto the day" to emphasize that each day has enough challenges and concerns of its own. By focusing on the needs of today, we can better manage our worries and anxieties. This doesn’t mean we neglect planning or preparation, but rather that we trust in God’s provision and don’t allow worry to overwhelm us.
3. Trusting in God’s care: Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the Father’s care and provision for His children. In this verse, Jesus teaches that God is aware of our needs and will take care of them. By entrusting our concerns to Him and relying on His faithfulness, we can find peace and freedom from anxiety.
4. The futility of worrying: Jesus refers to worrying as taking thought for tomorrow. He implies that worrying doesn’t add anything positive to our lives. Instead, it can distract us from the present, rob us of joy, and hinder our relationship with God. Jesus encourages us to have faith, knowing that our worrying won’t change the outcome or alter God’s sovereignty.
5. Overcoming the evil of the day: Jesus concludes the verse by stating that the day has enough evil of its own. This acknowledges the reality that each day may bring challenges, trials, and difficulties. By focusing on the present and trusting in God, we can address the challenges of the day with His strength and guidance, rather than being consumed by future worries.
