“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.”
Luke 12:22-23

Worry Wart

I confess I am a worrier. I really do try not to be, but feeling insecure and ill at ease has been a long entrenched way of life. In Luke 12:22-32, Jesus says things like, “Do not worry, why are you anxious, do not have an anxious mind, and do not fear.” Ah, fear! That’s the not-so-secret ingredient behind all the anxiety, the sense of dread, and the apprehension.

Don’t worry! Why? Because it is of no help and accomplishes nothing. Worry only makes things worse. Worry denies faith.

If I trust the God who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, I will be provided for because He values me more than fowl or flowers. He knows just what I need.

Some years ago when I was young and married and broke, I was fretting over clothing I needed, or thought I needed, for some long forgotten occasion. It was obvious that the money was not there. Yet in my morning devotions I had read this very passage about lilies and Solomon’s glory.

I got up from this quiet time with God and went on with my day. The weather was turning cooler and I decided to dress in jeans that I had not worn for months. As I thrust my hand deep into my front pocket I found a wad of bills. As I pulled out this unexpected bounty of cash, the Scriptures of the morning flashed through my mind. He had provided!

I don’t need food and clothing as much as I need God. If I have God, if God has me, I have everything else—all things! He is my treasure. He has my heart. He does not fail. Don’t worry, be happy!

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

“Father, You are a generous and gracious God. We are thankful not only for Your blessings, but for who You are. It is amazing to be loved by You. We will trust You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”