Commentary on Matthew 6:34 in the New King James Version

The Passage

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

Context and Exegesis

Matthew 6:34 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching for Christians that covers a wide range of ethical and spiritual topics. This passage is seen as a directive to live a life of faith, trust, and dependence on God’s providence.

Trust in God’s Providence: The verse encourages believers to trust in God’s provision and care. It aligns with the emphasis on the sovereignty of God. God, in His omniscience and omnipotence, knows our needs and is faithful to provide for them. This teaching resonates with the doctrine that God ordains all things for the good of His people (Romans 8:28).

Present-Mindedness: Jesus’ command to focus on today’s troubles rather than tomorrow’s encourages a present-minded approach. God’s grace is sufficient for each day. This understanding liberates believers from the anxiety of future uncertainties, resting in the assurance that God’s grace will be available when needed (Lamentations 3:22–23).

Dependency on God: The passage also underscores human dependency on God. It is a call to recognise our limitations and trust in God’s infinite wisdom and provision. This dependency is a central theme, where believers are encouraged to live lives marked by prayer, reliance on God’s Word, and trust in His promises.

Application to Modern Christian Living

The application of Matthew 6:34 in contemporary contexts involves several key practices:

Freedom from Anxiety: Believers are encouraged to cast their anxieties on God through prayer and trust. This principle helps in combating the stress and worry that come with modern living, reminding believers that God is in control (Philippians 4:6–7).

Focus on Today’s Responsibilities: By concentrating on today’s tasks and leaving the future in God’s hands, Christians can live more fully and responsibly. This approach promotes a balanced life, where one can work diligently without being overwhelmed by what lies ahead.

Daily Spiritual Practices: Engaging in daily spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading Scripture, and meditation on God’s promises helps believers cultivate a present-minded faith. These practices fortify the heart against the fears of tomorrow and strengthen trust in God’s daily provision.

Bibliography

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV). Bible Gateway.

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. Monergism.

Packer, J.I. Knowing God. InterVarsity Press, 1973.

Murray, John. Redemption Accomplished and Applied. Eerdmans, 1955.

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Zondervan, 1994.

The Westminster Confession of Faith. Westminster Assembly Project.

Teaching from Matthew 6:34

In essence, the teaching from Matthew 6:34 emphasises reliance on God for daily needs, encouraging believers to trust in His providence and avoid anxiety about the future. This principle of present-minded faith, rooted in God’s sufficiency, is a cornerstone of Christian practice and theology, providing a foundation for both personal spirituality and communal living.