Sometimes people fear that God has forgotten or abandoned them, and they feel alone and afraid. Speaking through Isaiah, God reassures us: Just as a mother does not forget her child or fail to feel compassion and love for it, so God will never forget God's people. But even if they did forget or abandon their children, God will not. God is far more reliable than any human. We are always in God's heart and we are never forgotten. We need to remember this in difficult times.

Jesus insists that we must decide whom we serve. We cannot serve both God and our personal desires, such as riches. A divided heart is not focused on God and is pulled in too many contrary directions. Excessive anxiety and worry eats away at the human heart and soul. Jesus urges us not to give in to this anxiety, but to focus on God and righteousness, trusting in God's kind providence. Some may object: what about the necessities of life? Don't I have to work? Of course - but do what is necessary and then let it go into God's hands. Worry will not affect the outcome one bit, so don't waste the energy. When God is our first concern, a path will open before us and we will be cared for.