In all of our lives there are issues pressing upon us from all directions.  We press issues with ourselves such as work, relationships, ministry, vocations, money and/or even how we spend our time.  There are other issues that press themselves upon us that we would like to see end or be resolved, such as a

child's medical condition, or their grades in school, family relationships,  hardships and difficulties that we ourselves can't seem to make progress in.

All of our needs represent some type of value in our lives, if not we wouldn't be concerned with seeing fulfillment and/or an answer.   Even God-given inspiration for our destiny, our children, ministries, finances, right down to the point of having food, and clothing to wear can be things that press upon our lives, and we do all we can to get those needs met.

One method of responding to our needs could be not to chase after the answer to them or be consumed with worry.  Even though we have needs that do take a toll on our personal make up of being a human being.  What could be one of the real issues being dealt with in Matthew 6:25-34, when Jesus tells us not to worry?

He made reference to our clothing and food, but the effects of worry goes beyond our basic need, or does it.  I love the fact that Jesus' reference of worry in relationship to our lives is addressed with a basic everyday need of food and clothing.  So, there must be something else just as basic He must be addressing, and He is.  Repeatedly Jesus gives examples of  clothing, food, birds, flowers, and our own life.  Also Jesus says our Father knows our needs, but are our needs really what the basic principle He is addressing here?  Or could it be the fact that over and over, Jesus makes a comment about value.  You are more valuable than clothing, food, birds, grass and getting answers to all of your needs.

Needs are important, but the real issue is value.  How and where do you get your value from is key.  Let's look at Hagar's response to a desperate situation that was forced upon her.  Hagar was running away from mistreatment and abuse when the angel of the Lord came and spoke to her.  The angel did not change the situation, nor did he speak to her about setting things right in her life.  He actually told her to go back and submit to your mistress.  What caused her to not only obey, but have a change of heart?  She discovered her true value as we see by her remark in Gen 16:13. She gave this name to the Lord who spoke with her; "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."