Worry Warts

What do you worry about? Is it clothes or food or other necessities? The Bible says worrying can’t add a single hour to our life. On the contrary, science says it takes hours from our life. Stress related illnesses cause countless deaths each year. This passage says our Father in heaven knows what we need. Why do we find it so difficult to trust him to provide for those needs?

Continuing in Luke 12, what does it say will happen when we seek his kingdom? “Seek his kingdom and all these things will be given to you”. That’s the most amazing part. When we seek HIM and HIS Kingdom he handles all the other stuff. Have you ever seen that principle at work in your own life? When it happens it is the most awesome and humbling thing. When we step out and do what he calls us to do, he provides the resources for all the other needs. Stories are told time and again of someone choosing to be obedient and tithe or give to others in need and then getting an unexpected raise at work. God loves to surprise us with unexpected blessing when we choose to seek him first.

So what are some ways you can move from a life of worry and doubt to a life that trusts God? First, we can call worry what it is – SIN. When we worry we are saying to God that we don’t think he can handle the situation and we doubt his faithfulness. Second, we can pray. Pray for God to forgive us of unbelief and ask him to take the worry away. Third, we can reflect on God’s past provision. If he has provided for a need in the past why should we doubt he will do it again? And lastly, as the passage states, we can reflect on the natural world around us. If God provides daily for the birds and gives the lilies their brilliant colors we can be confident that he will give us what we need.

Psalm 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” Replace the words “our” and “we” with your name and make these words a very personal promise from God to you.