This Sunday we will begin a new sermon series called "In God We Trust." During four weeks we will join together as a whole church to consider the different ways we sense our need for God, and God's provision for those human needs. The first week will focus on "Provision."  

When we think about trusting God, one of the issues that often comes to mind is, "Will God give us what we need? Will God take care of us?" These are questions of provision. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus makes it clear that these are enduring human questions; they are not new or unique to our time. Jesus helps us to see these questions for what they truly are: questions of faith, requiring a faith response. (They are theological questions!)

Jesus teaches his followers that it is God's nature, God's heart, to provide for God's creation. From birds and flowers to human beings, all of creation is valued and sustained by God. Knowing this about God's character, Jesus goes even further to address the less visible needs of his friends: he talks to them about easing of their anxiety.

Worry is familiar to all of us. Just take a minute and identify some of the things that have worried you in the past, or which are on your mind and causing you worry now. Maybe it's something at work. Maybe it is a family relationship. Maybe you are worried about paying the mortgage, or about your own health. Life is full of worries, and Jesus knows that each day can bring new challenges (Matthew 6:34b).

Yet Jesus does not abandon us to a lifetime of worry. Jesus tells us that God is at work to meet our needs, and asks for a faithful response in the face of worry: "But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we dig deeper into Jesus' words, ask questions about what this promise of provision really means, and as we receive what God offers each one of us.

Blessings,

Pastor Jessica