Matthew 6:34

Sunday, 26 January 2025

 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

 

“Therefore, not you shall be disquieted into the tomorrow, for tomorrow – it will be disquieted itself, its evil – sufficient to the day” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus instructed His disciples to seek the kingdom of God first. In doing this all the other things will then be added. Having told them that, He now finishes Chapter 6, saying, “Therefore, not you shall be disquieted into the tomorrow.”

 

The meaning of “into the tomorrow” is as most translations render it, “about tomorrow.” The Lord instructs the disciples to not let what is ahead in time and completely out of one’s grasp get the best of them.

 

It is contradictory to calm to reach into the next day and start agonizing over what may transpire. The only thing that will do is rile up any chance of mental calm on a day that has nothing to do with the next except that it happens to be the one before the next occurs. Understanding this, He next says, “for tomorrow – it will be disquieted itself.”

 

Like any other day that comes to pass, there are to be expected complications, difficulties, sadness, moments of confusion and loss, etc. For those who invest, there may be a morning of 25% profit in the portfolio, but by midday, there may be a 90% loss. Driving to or from work may find a nail in the tire, maybe even one in both directions.

 

The list is absolutely endless as to what might go wrong on any given day. This is why Jesus finishes with, “its evil – sufficient to the day.”

 

The word kakia is found only here in the gospels. It is in Acts and the epistles though. It is a strong word signifying evil which includes wickedness, depravity, malignity, etc. It is badness in general. HELPS Word Studies defines it as “the underlying principle of evil (inherent evil) which is present, even if not outwardly expressed.”

 

It is this that Jesus notes is arketos, sufficient, to the day. It is also a new word indicating being enough. Each day can be expected to have enough evil to fill it that inserting the problems of a day ahead will only lead to a day overflowing with disquietness and anxiety.

 

And yet, how often do we do our best to insert that which is unknown into the problems we are already facing? Jesus instructs His disciples not to do this. As these words form a general precept, apart from the law itself, they contain truth that we can apply to our own lives in this dispensation. And more, we have the continued words of the Lord through Paul to guide our daily walk –

 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6 7

 

Life application: Jesus divides the acceptable period of taking on life’s challenges into days. This is for obvious reasons. Our lives are divided up into these most basic units based on how God has structured the rotation of the sun. Paul’s words, on the other hand, bring things down to a case-by-case situation.

 

There is no contradiction in this. Nor would we be wrong to say the same thing about something that will occur later in the afternoon or even something coming in an hour. We have no control over what lies ahead. Planning is something we need to do, but it is something that must consider that things may not work out.

 

The best thing to do is to allow the future to unfold as it will without the added stress of worrying about how it will do so. We make plans, but the events that follow must be left to the overarching providence of God.

 

Tractors tires get stuck, shipments of supplies are delayed, rains come, and the house sits idle waiting to be completed. We could not have prevented any of those things. So why be distressed over what may or may not happen? Live with the future planned to whatever degree is necessary, but do so knowing that the Lord may have other plans.

 

No matter what, He is in control. Our future in His presence is assured because of Jesus. We just have to get through this unknown earthly walk as best as we can in the process, trusting Him with each step as we go.

 

Lord God, help us to confidently walk in this world, knowing that no matter what happens, we are Yours. Whatever trials we may face, they will be behind us someday. Even death itself cannot keep us from standing before You spotless and pure. Because of Jesus, we have full assurance of reconciliation and peace. Amen.