Hakuna Matata!
Opening Prayer
Bring any cares and worries to the Lord now and relax in his love as you come to him.
Read LUKE 12:22-34
[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] 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 his life? [26] Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? [27] “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. [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, O 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 not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why does Jesus say it is useless to worry?A popular Disney song is “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King; the Swahili means “no worries.” We all know that worry never helps, as Jesus says in v. 25. It saps our energy, robs us of the present, poisons the future and undermines our trust in God. But how can we live without it? By escaping into a Disneyesque fantasy world? No! Jesus says we need to embrace reality more fully. It is important to note that these words are for disciples (22).
Life is for living, not acquiring (23). Food and clothing are not an end in themselves, they only enable us to live the life to which Jesus calls us (see 12:15). You are small—celebrate your smallness (25,26)! Human beings are forever trying to play God (see Gen. 3:5), but this impossible role leads only to anxiety. It is wonderfully liberating to allow God to be God. Head follows heart, so set your heart on things that matter (31-34). Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Everything which keeps you from loving God above all things, everything which gets between you and your obedience to Jesus is the treasure to which your heart clings.” Well said!
Apply
How can you live more worry-free, and be focused on living for Jesus? Identify one or two practical ways to do that now.
Closing prayer
Lord, in spite of all that I’m concerned about, help me keep my focus on living for You first of all.
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