WE KNOW WHO OUR SOURCE IS

Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. 2 In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food— yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves. (Psalm 127:1–2, CSB)

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30, CSB)

So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:31–34, CSB)

As children of God, in God’s kingdom, things work differently than the world’s ways. We tend to amass stress and anxiety with the pressures and burdens and toils of life, but God says, “Wait. Get out of the rat race and instead come to Me. My way is better. My way includes rest, and I am the One who is actually providing for you. Shift your focus to My kingdom, and I will take care of all your needs. And let’s work together instead of in your own strength.”

That is why Paul, who arguably did more than anyone else in the early church to evangelize and teach the church, was able to say, “I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me” (Colossians 1:29, CSB). We know who our Source is. We are the branch staying plugged into the Vine. He provides our nourishment and strength for everything He has in store for us.