The verse “sufficient for the day is its own trouble” comes from Matthew 6:34 in the Bible. This verse falls within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches important principles for Christian living. The context around this verse provides insight into its meaning.
In Matthew 6, Jesus instructs His followers not to worry about material needs like food, drink and clothing. He points out how God provides for the birds and flowers, and says “Are you not of more value than they?” (v.26). Jesus reassures us that God knows what we need, and will provide if we “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (v.33).
After this encouragement not to worry, Jesus says “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (v.34). This succinct statement carries a few implications.
First, Jesus tells us not to worry about the future. Each day has enough challenges of its own already, so we don’t need to pile on by worrying about hypothetical problems. God will give us what we need when we get there. Fretting about tomorrow steals our peace and distracts us from serving God today.
Second, Jesus recognizes that “each day has enough trouble of its own.” He does not promise an easy life without problems. Following Jesus requires dealing with the ups and downs of each day as it comes. But through reliance on Him, the troubles of each day will be “sufficient” or enough, and not unbearable.
Third, this verse encourages living one day at a time. God gives us strength for today’s trials; tomorrow’s difficulties are still unknown. We can trust God fully with the present, without worrying about the uncertainties of the future. As the old hymn says, “One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that’s all I’m asking of You.”
In summary, “sufficient for the day is its own trouble” is a wisdom statement from Jesus about living without needless anxiety. It acknowledges the reality of daily troubles, but points to God’s provision and presence as enough to get through them one at a time. This verse encourages reliance on God, focus on the present, and freedom from worrying about hypothetical scenarios. Jesus knew His followers would face difficulties, but reassures us God will supply the strength needed for each day’s troubles as they come.
Other parts of Scripture echo this one-day-at-a-time mindset. For example, Exodus 16 describes God’s provision of manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. They were to gather only enough bread for one day at a time, trusting God to provide again tomorrow. And the Israelites sang “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Jesus also told His disciples, “As your days, so shall your strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25).
Psalm 68:19 further confirms, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up.” God sustains us amidst life’s ups and downs, not necessarily taking troubles away but giving us His grace and power to endure them. As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”
So in summary, “sufficient for the day is its own trouble” is a concise, practical life principle Jesus taught. It acknowledges daily troubles while encouraging trust in God’s provision for each day. This mindset frees us from worrying about hypothetical future problems. When we follow Christ one day at a time, we can confidently rely on His mercies being new every morning.
Here are some practical applications of this biblical principle:
- When facing a difficult day, pray for strength and perspective to get through that day’s challenges.
- Thank God each morning for His faithfulness in past days, and ask for grace for the current day.
- Focus on serving God faithfully today without worrying about unknown future difficulties.
- Be prepared but avoid fretting about potential future scenarios. Trust God to provide when actual needs arise.
- Release the future into God’s hands, and seek to follow Him one day at a time.
- Reflect on God’s provision in the past, which builds confidence in His ongoing faithfulness.
- Let go of past regrets and future worries, and focus your mental energy on living fully in the present.
This simple but profound statement from the Sermon on the Mount can greatly reduce our anxiety and lighten our daily load. It redirect us to rely on divine strength each day, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. When we follow Jesus one day at a time, we can walk through daily troubles with His peace and perspective.
In closing, “sufficient for the day is its own trouble” acknowledges reality but shifts focus toward God’s empowering presence. This verse succinctly encapsulates a life principle Jesus taught about not worrying, trusting God for daily needs, focusing on the present, and finding sufficiency in divine provision for today’s troubles. As Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Each day has enough trouble already, so we can trust God fully with both the present and future.