Jesus teaches his disciples what prayer should look like in Matthew 6. Then he makes several observations regarding the impact that prayer should have on your everyday life. He speaks of heart allegiance, worries about food, clothing, life’s basic necessities, and how long you will live. He feeds the birds and tells you that you are more valuable in his eyes. He contrasts all of these concerns with the reality that God knows all that you truly need and more.
The first portion of Psalm 139 beautifully and intimately describes how God knows everything there is to know about you. He even knows your thoughts before you have them. The exact days that you will live have been determined by by God. And what is David’s response to God’s intense involvement in his life?
“How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!”
David is blown away by God’s care and knowledge of him. Likewise, Jesus urges you to consider the futility of worrying about how to extend your life, even for an hour.
Jesus says that every legitimate concern you have will be met if you first pursue what God says is good and righteous, if you acknowledge that God is your king and you are not.
Truly the words of our Lord and our King are precious!