Becoming Like a ChildSample

Trusting in God’s care

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Matthew 6:31-32)

Adults are used to taking care of themselves. Generally, that's a good thing. The Bible encourages us to do that: just as ants work diligently in the summer to gather enough food for the winter, we too should do our best to provide for our daily needs and for our families. To the extent that God has given us the ability to put bread on the table, we should certainly strive to do so. But there is also a danger in this independence. We can easily think that we have everything under control and can live without God — which simply is not true. And when things don't go so well, when shortages threaten, we worry about whether there will be enough to eat, because we consider ourselves responsible.

In this respect, we can learn from children. They know that they depend on their parents and simply rely on their care. Similarly, we too are to let go of our worry and trust that our Heavenly Father will give us everything we need.

How do you find the balance between trusting God and taking responsibility yourself?