Today's readings are all about having a proper perspective, a kingdom perspective. It begins by acknowledging who the LORD is and who we are. We have to do this again and again because our idea of the LORD is never as dynamic or awe-inspiring as he really is. And our ideas about ourselves are also imperfect. We occasionally think humble thoughts are therefore think ourselves to be humble. But in fact our trust is still mainly in ourselves. We trust in our own wills, thoughts, and feelings and we relegate the LORD to an idea we reference when we remember to do so.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
We must fear the living God! Our ideas will send no angels to camp around us but the LORD will. If we taste our ideas we will find ourselves biting into mirages but the goodness of the LORD satisfies more and more.
When we have this perspective we can tell because it changes our perspective on everything else. We may conceal our blessings to make sure that we don't obscure the God who gives them. We may even rejoice in our sufferings because it allows God's power to be revealed in us.
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses,
in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
When we have this perspective we won't have to seek food, clothes, or long life. We will finally be able to trust in the LORD's plans for us. We intellectually acknowledge that God provides but we often turn aside at the very first sign of trouble. Long before we can't feed or clothe ourselves we are paralyzed with fear. This means that we are still depending on our own strength too much. But if we seek his kingdom these things be provided for us.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.
And somehow then we will have the trust to truly not worry about tomorrow. We will live with Jesus in the hear and now. Circumstances will not turn us aside. We will taste and see how good he is. And we will not be shaken.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.
Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
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