All These Things

By Donna Richmond Wittlif

    "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
    Winters can be harsh in Colorado. Snow comes in abundance, temperatures fall far below zero, and the cold arctic winds bring the temperatures even lower. We had such a day last week. The snow sparkled in the sun, but the scene was deceiving. The thermometer read ten below zero. Not a bird nor a squirrel stirred in the trees, and no geese were on the frozen lake or eating grass in the park.
    Today the temperature was already in the 30's when we rose. Birds sang from tree branches and power lines, and squirrels chased each other up and down tree trunks and along wooden fences.  Where do they go during the days of bitter cold?  What do they eat?  How do they keep from freezing to death?  The only answer I have is what Jesus said, "Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feeds them" (Matt. 6:26).  God takes care of them.
    We see God's love and care in action when we look at the animals, and we believe.  God has given us, His children, the same promise.  "Are not you of much more value than they?  Why be anxious?" Jesus asks. The simple answer is that we should not be anxious. We should not worry, but instead, spend our energies on seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness. Leave the rest to God, for He has promised that "all these things" will be given us.
    "All these things"--food, clothes, housing, salvation, spiritual guidance, comfort, a place in His kingdom, eternal life, and many more.  Just like God cares for the animals, so He cares for us.

- Donna Richmond Wittlif, the founder and first editor of BulletinGold, lives in Denver, CO. Donna is also a writer of fiction. Her novels, World Eternal: Promises and World Eternal: Proselytes, are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book outlets. Her third book, World Eternal: Perils, should be out soon. For more information visit her website.