FATHER KNOWS BEST
Opening Prayer
I praise You, God, that You care infinitely, abundantly, intimately for me.
Read Luke 12:22–34
Do Not Worry
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[a]? 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.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Footnotes
a Luke 12:25 Or single cubit to your height
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Look around and wonder what can be learned about God’s provision through looking at plants and animals.In recent years, mindfulness has become a popular therapeutic method in cases where anxiety and fear dominate. Drawing from the deep wells of eastern spirituality, emphasis is placed on finding peace through living in the present and not fast-forwarding into an unknowable future. Whether or not Jesus would have sympathized with this approach, he would have wanted an even more radical response.
Following on from yesterday’s reading, we are faced with the power that possessions and scarcity wield over us. Jesus uses the word worry four times in seven verses. Money makes us worry like nothing else. Whereas mindfulness helps us to focus on now instead of then, Jesus invites us to a life of trust. Our Father knows all our needs. But here’s the radical twist: our vision needs to settle on the kingdom brought in by Jesus and all the rest will be taken care of.
Apply
Do you allow your fears to drive you or do you allow your King to drive your fears away? How can you focus on God’s kingdom today instead of your problems?
Closing prayer
Jesus, I need You. Keep my mind and heart fixed on You and Your kingdom today. May I be working to serve You instead of me.
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