Worry

August 11, 2023

Luke 12:22-31 | Colossians 3:1-3

What a faith Jesus presents in our passage today. It really can be described as nothing more than…faith.

The intricacies of the faith of a raven or lily are unknown to us. But the results of however they live are unmistakable. The do eat. They are clothed.

Just how much unnecessary activity is added to our lives? (Note the story of the man and his barns from yesterday.)

What is truly required? …and is it readily available to us?

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Luke 12:22-31

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore, I say to you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. There is more to life than food and more to the body than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither plant nor harvest, they have no silo or barn, yet God feeds them. You are worth so much more than birds! Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life? If you can’t do such a small thing, why worry about the rest? Notice how the lilies grow. They don’t wear themselves out with work, and they don’t spin cloth. But I say to you that even Solomon in all his splendor wasn’t dressed like one of these. If God dresses grass in the field so beautifully, even though it’s alive today and tomorrow it’s thrown into the furnace, how much more will God do for you, you people of weak faith! Don’t chase after what you will eat and what you will drink. Stop worrying. All the nations of the world long for these things. Your Father knows that you need them. Instead, desire his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well.

Colossians 3:1-3

Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side. Think about the things above and not things on earth. You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Prayer

God,

Thank you for this day that has been given. Keep my intentions on the things that matter. Guard my heart from the decay of worry. Strengthen my resolve for those things more difficult and help me enjoy the blessings that will come with this day. Help me hear you, see people, and smell the flowers. Keep my feet on the ground, my head wrapped around wisdom, and my heart full of love.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.