Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psa 55:22
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Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mat 6:25-26
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Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mat 6:25-26
"We have a strong tendency to strive to bear our own burden “even when we are almost sinking beneath it. In itself this tendency is good. It is the principle of self-reliance leading us to attempt self-help. But this tendency has become corrupted by association with pride and a false independence. Hence, when man is being crushed by it, in imagined self-sufficiency, he refuses to take his burden to the Lord. Spiritual weakness is ever boastful, while spiritual strength is ever humble. We mistake weakness for strength when we refuse to cast our burden upon the Lord. There are some who do not take their burden to the Lord because their ideas of Him are false, arising from a heart alienated from Him. They say—“God does not care for man; we may suffer, we may perish; but He does not care. He is indifferent, even if He be not cruel to us.” Estrangement from God explains this. David exhorts his soul to cast its burden upon the Lord. “The strong part of the soul speaks to the weak.” Or he speaks as one of the suffering righteous, and in their name. So let the troubled children of God do now. But how can we cast our burden upon the Lord? By believing prayer. Lay all at the foot of God’s throne: tell Him all your troubles. You know how the heart is relieved by unfolding its burdens to a dear friend. We can tell all to God—nothing is too secret, nothing too sacred."
(Excerpt from Preacher's Homiletical)
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
"The friendship of Christ is one which never neglects this essential duty. Many of the deepest and most sorrowful mysteries of your life may some day be explained by a single word—the faithfulness of Christ.
His friendship is marked by its constancy. Few friendships have sufficient vitality in them to extend from youth to old age. Many friendships are but summer friendships. The friendship of Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. He does not break off from us because we are not all we should be to Him. There is a limit to all our earthly friendships, a limit to their power, a limit to their help. If we need friendship on this side of the grave, how much more shall we need it on the other side. So we say, “Seek not friends that die, or whom you must leave, but seek for One who never dies, and whom you can never leave.” (Enoch Mellor, D. D.)
(Excerpt from Preacher's Homiletical)
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
"The friendship of Christ is one which never neglects this essential duty. Many of the deepest and most sorrowful mysteries of your life may some day be explained by a single word—the faithfulness of Christ.
His friendship is marked by its constancy. Few friendships have sufficient vitality in them to extend from youth to old age. Many friendships are but summer friendships. The friendship of Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. He does not break off from us because we are not all we should be to Him. There is a limit to all our earthly friendships, a limit to their power, a limit to their help. If we need friendship on this side of the grave, how much more shall we need it on the other side. So we say, “Seek not friends that die, or whom you must leave, but seek for One who never dies, and whom you can never leave.” (Enoch Mellor, D. D.)
Christ-Our Burden Bearer
In Mat_6:25-26 we have an argument against giving place to the cares of this world, on the ground that they are unworthy of an immortal being like man; and also an illustration pointedly leading to the exercise of faith.
I. The question before the Lord was not whether we should be as idle as the birds, but only whether we should, like them, cast off care and trust our heavenly Father. Toil is man’s lot. He must sow and reap. We cannot expect the daily manna unless we go and gather it. The argument is not against labor, but against worldly care; and this is the purport of it: God cares for the little birds; He provides their food in due season; and they, instead of burdensome anxiety, in their unconscious gratitude are ever hymning His praise. Now this God is your Father; you are the children of the Highest; and if He provides for the very birds, how much more will a Father’s love and watchfulness care for each of you. Only trust Him, therefore, and all shall be well.
II. The Lord exhorts us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is the pith and kernel of the whole matter. What He means is, that they are not to set their hearts on the kingdom, the possessions, of this world—its riches and honors, and pampering indulgences and vain displays; neither are they to vex their hearts with cares concerning these, as the Gentiles do, sinking thereby into a like degradation with them, but they are to make it their foremost object to obtain spiritual treasures—meekness, temperance, patience, faith, love, and all things just and true and honest and pure and lovely, which are the true riches and real honors of man, the only dignities acknowledged in the kingdom of God. Now the way to obtain these is through faith in God and His Christ. Their great effort, therefore, should be to believe that God reigns, and to trust Him with a most loyal and unswerving devotion. This is obviously what is here meant by seeking the kingdom of God. The righteousness of God here meant is the righteousness of His government—His all-holy and wise administration, which we are to cherish with a steadfast faith. (W. C. Smith, The Sermon on the Mount, p. 239)
I. The question before the Lord was not whether we should be as idle as the birds, but only whether we should, like them, cast off care and trust our heavenly Father. Toil is man’s lot. He must sow and reap. We cannot expect the daily manna unless we go and gather it. The argument is not against labor, but against worldly care; and this is the purport of it: God cares for the little birds; He provides their food in due season; and they, instead of burdensome anxiety, in their unconscious gratitude are ever hymning His praise. Now this God is your Father; you are the children of the Highest; and if He provides for the very birds, how much more will a Father’s love and watchfulness care for each of you. Only trust Him, therefore, and all shall be well.
II. The Lord exhorts us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is the pith and kernel of the whole matter. What He means is, that they are not to set their hearts on the kingdom, the possessions, of this world—its riches and honors, and pampering indulgences and vain displays; neither are they to vex their hearts with cares concerning these, as the Gentiles do, sinking thereby into a like degradation with them, but they are to make it their foremost object to obtain spiritual treasures—meekness, temperance, patience, faith, love, and all things just and true and honest and pure and lovely, which are the true riches and real honors of man, the only dignities acknowledged in the kingdom of God. Now the way to obtain these is through faith in God and His Christ. Their great effort, therefore, should be to believe that God reigns, and to trust Him with a most loyal and unswerving devotion. This is obviously what is here meant by seeking the kingdom of God. The righteousness of God here meant is the righteousness of His government—His all-holy and wise administration, which we are to cherish with a steadfast faith. (W. C. Smith, The Sermon on the Mount, p. 239)
The Destructiveness of Anxiety
The Bible teaches us, and the instinct of self-preservation binds us, and self-respect constrains us to the wisdom of foresight. We are made to look forward. We are naturally anticipative. But Jesus Christ speaks of a very common evil—an undue anxiety and care.
To be careful is good, but to be full of care is ruinous. “Take no excessive or harassing thought for the morrow,” because:
1. It is injurious to yourselves.—It makes you unhappy; it confuses your mind; it clouds your perceptions; it ages you; it breaks you down; it is inconsistent with the spirit of Christianity.
2. It incapacitates you for life’s success.—Success in life depends upon the wholesome restfulness of the mind.
3. It is a sin against God.—It is a sign of distrust; it ignores His fatherly care; and it gives the lie to His precious promises.
The divine command enforced.—“But seek ye first the kingdom of God”. This is the positive side of duty. We are taught--
1. That “seeking the kingdom” must be our chief concern.
2. That this search shall be rewarded.—“All these things shall be added unto you.” “Providence will be your mighty partner and helper in the business.” “Other things being equal,” says Livermore, “the good man prospers better in worldly affairs than the bad man.
3. All vices are expensive and losing, as all the virtues are gainful and thrifty.” “Godliness is profitable unto all things”. (J. Harries)
Corresponding verses:
Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Reflecting on Our Lives-and Allowing The Lord to Correct Us:
Learning and applying these verses to our daily lives is very important, because ongoing anxiety and care over life's problems is one of the most used tools of the devil to keep people from finding a meaningful relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Many times, God is blamed for our problems, when the truth is, the reason we don't see answers to our prayers is our own conduct:
1. Unconfessed sin in our own lives. This is the greatest reason people do not see answers to their prayers. Going to the Lord and asking Him to reveal anything we may need to repent of and confess before Him first, is the first thing I do, before praying for anything or anyone else.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive them, and forget them. This is important to learn, because there's times when people won't. We learn as time goes on, to realize that the forgiveness and righteousness we now walk in, won't be accepted by other's sometimes. It's not easy to deal with, but, we have to learn to accept this, and keep walking with the Lord, and leave them to themselves.
2. Intentionally mistreating someone else, and allowing unconfessed sin to rule over us. Everyone sins, and daily. But, God's word doesn't change. If we intentionally mistreat and abuse someone else, it is sin and hinders our prayer life. Yes, exposing the sins and wrongs in other's may have to be done, but only if these people have proven to be unrepentant, and continuing in wickedness. This takes wisdom, and seeking the Lord's guidance in every particular situation.
3. Ongoing patterns of wickedness, and being a troublemaker, and gossip. People who live consistently like this, will not see any answers to prayer, and even if they receive an answer-it can well be given by Satan. Yes, Satan can give you what you want, for a season, until he is finished using you, then whatever he's given you, won't be worth the troubles he will bring on you. He never gives away anything for free.
4. The bible never teaches that just because we are walking correctly with the Lord, we won't have persecution, and battles to face in life. The lives of the disciples and the apostles proves this point. But, throughout the storms we may face-like Paul, Jesus came several times to him, and gave a word of encouragement. He will do the same for those of us who keep going on in faith, and won't give up. We know who we believe in, and we know where our eternal home is, where Jesus told us. He's gone to prepare for us a home in heaven, that where He is, we will be also. We can be assured of His words-He is not a God that lies.
Along with this, we will know a solid, enduring peace in our hearts, and lives, in spite of anything Satan may come at us with. We will be given the strength, and ability to weather the assaults, and will know His consistent presence in our lives. When we need to have an answer to a prayer, and know the importance of it, we can depend on the Lord, to provide in the time of need.
Jesus has proven this to me in the years I've walked with Him, over and over again. You can depend on Him also, if your serious and want to know Him. Allow Him to make changes in your life, correct you when you take a wrong turn, and need to confess that wrong and stay walking right with Him. Jesus is worth it, He's never failed me, and His presence is more precious than anything this life has to offer.
If your reading this, and haven't come to Him yet, and asked for His salvation, forgiveness of your sins, and let Him in your heart, I hope you will do so, and come to know how precious He is. It doesn't matter what you may have done. When He went to the cross and suffered and died, it was to cover your sins, and wash you clean, and give you the assurance of heaven when you die. May you come to know this, personally for yourself.
Lorna Couillard
To be careful is good, but to be full of care is ruinous. “Take no excessive or harassing thought for the morrow,” because:
1. It is injurious to yourselves.—It makes you unhappy; it confuses your mind; it clouds your perceptions; it ages you; it breaks you down; it is inconsistent with the spirit of Christianity.
2. It incapacitates you for life’s success.—Success in life depends upon the wholesome restfulness of the mind.
3. It is a sin against God.—It is a sign of distrust; it ignores His fatherly care; and it gives the lie to His precious promises.
The divine command enforced.—“But seek ye first the kingdom of God”. This is the positive side of duty. We are taught--
1. That “seeking the kingdom” must be our chief concern.
2. That this search shall be rewarded.—“All these things shall be added unto you.” “Providence will be your mighty partner and helper in the business.” “Other things being equal,” says Livermore, “the good man prospers better in worldly affairs than the bad man.
3. All vices are expensive and losing, as all the virtues are gainful and thrifty.” “Godliness is profitable unto all things”. (J. Harries)
Corresponding verses:
Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Reflecting on Our Lives-and Allowing The Lord to Correct Us:
Learning and applying these verses to our daily lives is very important, because ongoing anxiety and care over life's problems is one of the most used tools of the devil to keep people from finding a meaningful relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Many times, God is blamed for our problems, when the truth is, the reason we don't see answers to our prayers is our own conduct:
1. Unconfessed sin in our own lives. This is the greatest reason people do not see answers to their prayers. Going to the Lord and asking Him to reveal anything we may need to repent of and confess before Him first, is the first thing I do, before praying for anything or anyone else.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive them, and forget them. This is important to learn, because there's times when people won't. We learn as time goes on, to realize that the forgiveness and righteousness we now walk in, won't be accepted by other's sometimes. It's not easy to deal with, but, we have to learn to accept this, and keep walking with the Lord, and leave them to themselves.
2. Intentionally mistreating someone else, and allowing unconfessed sin to rule over us. Everyone sins, and daily. But, God's word doesn't change. If we intentionally mistreat and abuse someone else, it is sin and hinders our prayer life. Yes, exposing the sins and wrongs in other's may have to be done, but only if these people have proven to be unrepentant, and continuing in wickedness. This takes wisdom, and seeking the Lord's guidance in every particular situation.
3. Ongoing patterns of wickedness, and being a troublemaker, and gossip. People who live consistently like this, will not see any answers to prayer, and even if they receive an answer-it can well be given by Satan. Yes, Satan can give you what you want, for a season, until he is finished using you, then whatever he's given you, won't be worth the troubles he will bring on you. He never gives away anything for free.
4. The bible never teaches that just because we are walking correctly with the Lord, we won't have persecution, and battles to face in life. The lives of the disciples and the apostles proves this point. But, throughout the storms we may face-like Paul, Jesus came several times to him, and gave a word of encouragement. He will do the same for those of us who keep going on in faith, and won't give up. We know who we believe in, and we know where our eternal home is, where Jesus told us. He's gone to prepare for us a home in heaven, that where He is, we will be also. We can be assured of His words-He is not a God that lies.
Along with this, we will know a solid, enduring peace in our hearts, and lives, in spite of anything Satan may come at us with. We will be given the strength, and ability to weather the assaults, and will know His consistent presence in our lives. When we need to have an answer to a prayer, and know the importance of it, we can depend on the Lord, to provide in the time of need.
Jesus has proven this to me in the years I've walked with Him, over and over again. You can depend on Him also, if your serious and want to know Him. Allow Him to make changes in your life, correct you when you take a wrong turn, and need to confess that wrong and stay walking right with Him. Jesus is worth it, He's never failed me, and His presence is more precious than anything this life has to offer.
If your reading this, and haven't come to Him yet, and asked for His salvation, forgiveness of your sins, and let Him in your heart, I hope you will do so, and come to know how precious He is. It doesn't matter what you may have done. When He went to the cross and suffered and died, it was to cover your sins, and wash you clean, and give you the assurance of heaven when you die. May you come to know this, personally for yourself.
Lorna Couillard
