Look Outwards, Not Inwards
Opening Prayer
Lord, I know that true happiness comes only from trusting and obeying You. That’s the kind of happiness I want.
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] 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? [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. 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 is it not necessary to worry?Jesus follows up the previous parable by outlining what living as a steward of things actually looks like. The antidote to greed is living a life of trust in God.
The very act of focusing on possessions means that we look inwards. Jesus asks us to raise our eyes and see in creation the evidence of God’s care: the ravens (24), the wild flowers (27).
Worrying seems an entirely natural activity, yet it is pointless. It doesn’t change the situation; it doesn’t make us feel any better. Jesus points out that it is evidence of a lack of trust in the care and love our heavenly Father has for us. He challenges us to shift our eyes from ourselves and look to God, to hold our possessions lightly and use them for the benefit of others rather than ourselves. We needn’t—indeed, shouldn’t—waste our time worrying. As Jesus assures us, “Your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom and these things will be given you as well” (30,31).
Apply
Copy Luke 12:30,31. Place it somewhere prominent where it will act as a reminder not to worry but to trust God.
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for Your gracious provision for me. Help me not to worry, but to trust in Your care.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.