Do not be anxious (Deuteronomy 27-31, Luke 12)

Our world is an anxious world. I don’t know the statistics but I imagine there is more anxiety today than at other times, or maybe it just feels that way? Maybe there is more pressure on people today than in previous generations, but anxiety is nothing new, otherwise Jesus would not have needed to tell people 2000 years ago not to be anxious. It’s a word we need today, what is it that you are anxious about?

I have to admit at times being anxious as I consider the future of my son with his declining health. How will we manage with further decline?

In our reading today we see just how kind and caring our Lord Jesus is. He tells His people not to worry. Jesus gives two illustrations from nature. First the ravens, they don’t sow or reap, or even go to the shops, but God feeds them. You are more valuable than them, God will care for you! I wonder did God create the birds so that Jesus could make this point?

The second illustration is the flowers of the field, and at this time of the year, we are just starting to see them. They are beautiful! Jesus says, you’re far more valuable than the grass, if God can clothe the grass with beautiful flowers, He’s able to look after you. So why worry?

Jesus tells us that we can’t add a single hour to our lives by worrying. It’s true isn’t it! Worrying is a waste of time, but that can make it even harder when you are worrying! You start to think, I shouldn’t be worrying, but you can’t stop. Jesus gives us something to do instead of worrying – seek God’s kingdom. Pray and ask God how you can help in His kingdom, who you can serve. Seek to serve God, and He’ll take care of you. We can’t change anything about tomorrow by worrying, I find its best to just take things one day at a time. There are many things that have happened that I was worried, how will I cope when….but each time God’s grace has been sufficient, and I can know that will be the same for the future.

In our reading from Deut 28 we see God is determined to bless His people. He loves His people, and has the biggest blessing in store for all who trust Jesus. A future so bright that present troubles will seem light and momentary in comparison. So seek God’s kingdom first and trust Him with the rest.