Courage #2—Courageously Confident

Since life is certainly more than food, and the body more than clothing, do not be anxious for your life, nor for your body …. Do not be anxious, for your heavenly Father knows that you need these things. Instead, seek first his rule and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:24–34

A wise man once said, “What we hope in we worship; what we worship we serve.” We don’t serve things in the sense of our doing something for their benefit, but in the sense of placing ourselves in a position to benefit from their worth. The same is true for God. Thus we worship one or the other. Jesus reminds us that God is our source of hope, that he promises to engage with his whole heart for our good. Therefore we must do what is necessary to obtain the benefits he offers. Jesus promises that the Father will provide for our needs if we pledge allegiance to him as the righteous king, and then live in such a way that he is seen as a good and wise ruler. With this confidence that he will righteously govern his kingdom so we will thrive, we can avoid anxiety. If we hope in the faulty promises of things, if we register a vote of no confidence in God, we will experience anxiety, not only about having enough for today, but enough for tomorrow as well. Fortunately, our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need and has guaranteed the righteous fulfillment of his promises through Jesus’ life and ministry.

Heavenly Father, unless I believed I would see your goodness in the land of the living, I would have despaired. Grant me strength to wait for you today with confident courage.