Do Not Worry Luke 12-14

I think its appropriate in this season of anxiety that we focus on Luke 12:22-32. Please take a moment and read these words again.

Luke 12: "22 He 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. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 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! 25 And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Now, go back and count the times Jesus mentions worry, worrying, or fear. Jesus knows how prone we are to fear and how it cripples our faith. For Jesus the antidote to fear is to focus on the Father's provision. God will take care of the birds of the air, and if he cares for them, how much more does he care about you. Further he invites us to shift our focus from ourselves to the kingdom of God. Jesus asks you to let him carry your load.  Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Are you weary? Is your heart burdened?

Worry, fear and doubt are a heavy burden to carry. They make every aspect of our lives more difficult. Jesus tells us to lay that burden down. Lean into Jesus today, trust him to keep watch over your life. Take-up the burden of his love, which is actually quite light. In this way you will find rest and peace for your soul.