Matthew 6:34

Commentary on Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)

Context: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

1. Literary and Contextual Setting

Matthew 6 forms the climax of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5–7). Verses 25–34 address the believer’s anxiety over daily needs—food, drink and clothing—all illustrated by birds and flowers. Jesus concludes with 6:34, urging disciples to trust their heavenly Father rather than be paralysed by future fears. This teaching both echoes and expands OT calls to reliance on God’s providence (e.g. Psalm 55:22; Proverbs 3:5–6).

2. Exegetical Insights

• Greek key term: merimnaō (“to be anxious, to worry”). Its repetition in 6:25, 31 and 34 underscores the fallenness of fear in God’s people.
• “Worry about tomorrow” points to a double‐mindedness that assumes control over the future rather than trusting divine sovereignty (James 1:6–8).
• “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (NKJV): literally, “each day has enough evil [i.e. trouble] of its own,” acknowledging daily hardships without amplifying them by anxious forecasts.

3. Theological Themes

1. God’s Sovereign Providence
   God ordains “all that comes to pass.” Believers may therefore relinquish their grip on tomorrow, confident that “our times are in His hand” (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Acts 17:26). 
2. Grace for Each Moment
   Just as Christ taught His disciples to pray for “daily bread” (Matt 6:11), 6:34 reassures us that God’s grace and provision meet each day’s need—a gospel echo of 2 Corinthians 12:9. 
3. Sin and Sanctification
   Chronic worry betrays unbelief (Hebrews 11:6). The Spirit sanctifies us by nurturing undivided trust (1 Peter 5:7) and by training us to “seek first the kingdom” (Matt 6:33), not tomorrow’s comforts.

4. Application for Modern Christian Living

• Daily Trust Exercises: Begin each morning with Psalm 5:3 or Matthew 6:11–13, turning anxious thoughts into prayer.
• Mindful Focus: When beset by future fears, rehearse God’s past faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23) and confess unbelief.
• Practical Boundaries: Limit “worry time” (e.g. 15 minutes daily) and redirect longer concerns into concrete actions—planning, prayer, or serving others. 
• Community Care: Share daily burdens with fellow believers (Galatians 6:2), reflecting covenantal accountability.

Key Teaching from Matthew 6:34

Believers are commanded to relinquish anxious forecasts of tomorrow, trusting that God’s providence and grace, sufficient for today’s trials, will unfold tomorrow’s provision in His perfect timing.