Do Not Worry

Luke 12:22-34

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Devotional

These past few months have unexpectedly shifted our world completely. In a time where we’ve become a bit too focused on the internet and social media, we’re now forced to rely on them to stay in touch and connect with our schools, coworkers, and loved ones. Graduations, vacations, work, and even the Olympics have all been cancelled, and with so many things shutting down and everyone becoming so hesitant to return to how we “were before,” a lot of fear and anxiety is building up. I feel it in myself, in my household, in the conversations I have with my friends -- we have no idea what to expect or what life will be like in the next few weeks, or even months. A lot of people in my life are left laid off or completely jobless and it’s difficult to imagine how much this could affect them and their families in the future. But Jesus assures us not to worry for the future; about what could happen to us or what we could lack. He compares our situation with birds and wild flowers, saying how God faithfully provides them what they need to survive for the day, and how they don’t need to plan in advance of where they will rest or find their next meal. Jesus tells us how much more valuable we are to God than these birds. If He can be faithful in providing for them, we must trust He will be faithful in providing for us. God knows we need to eat food to survive physically, but He tells us to seek Him and His kingdom first; to love Him wholeheartedly, and not worry about providing for ourselves but let Him provide for us.

Reflection

What is something worrying you right now? Take time to think about it, and think of why you’re worried about it. Then tell God how you’re feeling and ask Him for peace and trust in Him.