This devotion is based on the sermon: How to Overcome Worry
In 1905, Civilla D. Martin penned the now-famous hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” after visiting a bedridden friend. Despite her chronic illness, the woman radiated unshakable peace. When asked the secret to her calm trust, she replied, “If God’s eye is on the sparrow, then I know He watches me.”
Deeply moved, Martin later wrote:
“The thought came to me: Why should I be discouraged? Why should my heart be lonely? I wrote the words with a heart full of hope.”
This hymn, rooted in Jesus’ words about God’s care for even the smallest bird, still echoes with truth today: God sees. God knows. God provides. If His eye is on the sparrow, how much more does He care for us?
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 isn’t just about worry—it’s about what we’re seeking. At the heart of His message is a gentle but powerful invitation to reorder our priorities around what truly matters.
Devotion
Jesus said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). This isn’t a formula for getting what we want. It’s a pathway to discover what we genuinely need.
To seek God’s kingdom first means living for His purposes rather than our own. It means aligning our values, decisions, and ambitions with His priorities. Instead of asking, “What do I want?” we begin to ask, “What does God want?” And when we live with that eternal focus, everything else begins to fall into proper perspective.
Jesus doesn’t promise we’ll never face difficulty or lack. But He does promise that God knows exactly what we need. “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs,” Jesus says in Matthew 6:32 (NLT). And He cares enough to provide—often in ways we don’t expect.
Missionary Elisabeth Elliot, who endured profound personal loss and hardship in her ministry, once said:
“God has never promised to meet all our wants. But He has promised to meet all our needs.”
That promise gives us the freedom to live one day at a time—fully present in today’s responsibilities, not paralyzed by tomorrow’s uncertainties. Worry fades when we shift our focus from building our own kingdom to seeking God’s.
Bible Verse
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
— Matthew 6:33-34, NIV
Reflection Question
In what specific area of your life do you need to shift from seeking your own security to seeking God’s kingdom first?
Quote
“If His eye is on the sparrow, then I know He watches me.”
— Civilla D. Martin
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve placed my own concerns above Your kingdom. Help me to trust that when I seek You first, You will provide what I truly need. Teach me to live one day at a time, letting go of tomorrow’s worries and holding tightly to Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Sign up to receive Sermon-Based devotionals in your inbox!
Leave a Reply