Jesus wants us to live an anxiety-free life.

He says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

“All these things” include what we eat and drink and wear — all the practical needs of this present world (Matthew 6:25). Jesus tells us that we don’t have to worry about them because we have a sovereign Father in heaven who cares for us. Just look at the birds, he explains, and the lilies of the field. Birds have food to eat because God provides for them — “he gives to the beasts their food and to the ravens that cry” (Psalm 147:9). The lilies are dressed more beautifully than even King Solomon because God clothes them. And we, God’s children, are more valuable to him than birds and lilies.

As Eugene Peterson paraphrases the logic, “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers — most of which are never even seen — don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?” (The Message).

But wait. Are God’s children always supplied with enough to stay alive?

No. They’re not.

So then, what does it mean when he says “all these things” will be provided for you?

In this video, John Piper explains how we should understand this wonderful promise from Jesus.