And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:22-31 ESV).
I have been accused of being “a fretter.” I must admit that there are times when I catch myself in the pattern of worry and anxiety. Typically the things that worry me most involve my family. However, as I read today’s verses I am reminded of the faithfulness of God and His past performance that has proven it over and over again. It is still a challenge that requires intention to overcome.
I think Jesus told us not to worry because he knew we would. I love the examples he gives to help us not worry. Look at how God takes care of birds. Look at how beautiful he created flowers to be. Those things are amazing, and God’s care for them is elaborate and extensive. And yet God cares for us so much more than for birds and flowers. So the natural response ought to be: “Why worry?”
For me the greatest safeguard against worry is those times when God was so clearly providing for me in ways I didn’t even know to ask for. One such time was the fear I felt before my first sermon. I had studied, prepared, and rehearsed yet I was anxious. My pastor then, for whom I was filling in, was prompted to send me a very special message by telegram (I know… it was a long time ago… LOL!) It simply said, “Read Deuteronomy 31:6. I love you.” That verse became my life verse at that moment: “Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” He has proven faithful in that promise. Trust Him today!