From the Pulpit: Don’t worry. God’s got you.
Worry is a feeling that we are all very familiar with. Life is full of things that cause us to stress and worry. We worry about what is going to happen tomorrow, about having the things we need, and the list goes on. But Jesus doesn’t want us to live in a place of worry or anxiety. He wants us to live in a place of peace and reliance on Him. That seems to be one of those concepts that could be described as “easier said than done.” But as followers of Jesus, we have hope and God’s Word to remind us that we don’t have to worry, but instead we can put our trust in God.
In Luke 12:22-34 Jesus reminds us not to worry. Jesus wanted to remind us that we have a God who loves us and cares so deeply about us. To illustrate God’s care, Jesus points to nature. First, He uses the example of 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.” (Luke 12:24) Then a few verses later He gives the example of the Lilies. He says: “Consider how the lilies 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 this is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown not the fire, how much more will he clothe you.” (Luke 12:27-29).
These verses serve as an important reminder to us. When worry starts to take control, remind yourself that the God who feeds the ravens and takes care of the lilies in the fields, is personally invested in your well-being. You are valuable to God. He is going to provide. It may not always be the way we think He is going to, but He will provide. He is going to take care of you because He loves you and you are so important to Him.
Worry doesn’t get us anywhere, it just causes more anxiety and stress. It doesn’t solve the problem or make us feel better. But what does solve the problem and make us feel better is turning to God and trusting Him to take care of whatever problem we are facing. We are valuable to God. Don’t let your worry or anxiety get in the way of seeing how much God values you. Put your trust in God because He is the one who is in control and He knows exactly what we need. There is no one better that we can put our trust in. Three truths that stand out to me in this passage in Luke are: Worry doesn’t fix anything; Trust in God to provide; and remember you are valuable to Him. Let these truths bring you hope and serve as a reminder of the amazing God we serve.
