Do Not Worry

Luke 12:22-31

Have you ever told someone, or perhaps someone has told you, “Don’t worry about it!”  That seemingly simple instruction may sound nice but for many with great responsibilities and constant pressures, not worrying can one of the most challenging things in their life.  If you are one who struggles with worry and anxiety, take comfort, because you have a Good Father who has promised to take care of you.

Luke 12:²² 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. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ²⁴ 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! ²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life^[b]? ²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? ²⁷ “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. ²⁸ 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! ²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Let’s note a few reasons WHY Jesus says to not worry.

1. Don’t worry because you are exceedingly valuable to God. Jesus compares our worth to that of birds.  And God takes care of the birds, so how much more will he take care of you and me!
2. Don’t worry because it doesn’t help. This is a truth that most of us know but often it doesn’t seem to help us be at ease with something.  Jesus again points us to the things of the earth – lilies and grass – that are taken care of by God even though they are very temporary.  How much more will God care for His children!
3. Don’t worry because God knows what you need. Verse 30 says “and your Father knows that you need them”.  A child doesn’t worry about their needs because they know that their good parents will provide for them.  How much more will our Heavenly Father provide for our needs!

Note Jesus’ final promise in this passage, “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”  Seek first the things of God and trust God to provide what you need.  When you struggle with worry and anxiety, remind yourself of God’s promise to always care for you, and take comfort.