Jehovah-jireh: Yahweh will provide// Do not worry about tomorrow

Jehovah-jireh. Yahweh will provide. The LORD will provide.

These three statements each share the same meaning. It is a deep-rooted truth that the LORD our God, who spoke this universe into being, will care for the specific needs of His people. 

One of my favorite passages to consider when I'm tempted to worry about finances or needs for the future is found in Matthew where Jesus points to birds and lilies to remind His children of their worth and provision in Him.

He points out that birds don't work for themselves to gather and store food yet God feeds them. He points out that lilies can do nothing for themselves to ensure their growth and beauty, yet God adorns them more beautifully than the richest king who ever lived.

He then says,

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,

 and all these things will be added to you. 

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. 

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Our priority is God. When we seek Him first, everything else will fall into place. Not only that, but He also points out that each day has enough trouble of it's own, so by stressing out, you're doing yourself no favors.

In Philippians 4 verse 6, Paul instructs Christians to refrain from anxiety and worry, and to pray with thankfulness, communing with God over whatever burdens our hearts. And then, he says, God's peace - a peace beyond all understanding - will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

But he doesn't leave the instruction there. He continues the thought and gives a guideline of what we ought to fill our minds with after we have cast out worry and anxiety.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 

whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 

whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, 

if there is anything worthy of praise,

 think about these things. What you have learned and 

received and heard and seen in me—

practice these things, and 

the God of peace will be with you."