Too often we rely on the headings in our Bible to divide our reading. “Okay, new section title means new topic,” I subconsciously decide. Yet when the Bible was originally written, there were no titles, no breaks throughout the chapter, no division in the message.

On occasion, I recall this truth and try to read past the titles and connect the topics. Reading through Matthew 6 was one of these occasions.

Matthew 6 speaks largely of humility. Each part talks about not boasting in our giving or our prayers, it then transitions to storing up of worldly things and worrying about our needs being met.

The last part got to me as I was once again reminded of my own desire for control. Storing up things, including saving in areas I could instead be giving, is just one way I show control. The other being worry. Just as Jesus demonstrates in Matthew’s account, when people spend their time worrying about the basics they are expressing a lack of control and thus a lack of trust in God’s assurance.

He will provide.

And so we humble ourselves in prayer and through giving, we release the earthly things that have a hold of our hearts, and we release our worries to our Father.

He will provide.