Luke 12:22 – Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 

29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)

In the verses that come just before this passage, Jesus told the parable of the rich fool.  Remember, the man in that parable wanted to tear down his old barns in order to build bigger barns so that he could store more wheat.  The man had more than enough to begin with, but he wanted more, and he died before he could realize his dream.  This is why Jesus begins this passage with, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.”  

The people to whom Jesus spoke were, for the most part, poor peasant people.  We live like kings compared to their lives, yet we continue to worry about everyday life.  An abundance of possessions will not remove worry from our lives.  Indeed, we live in a rich land, yet anxiety disorders are an epidemic in our country.  In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem in America, surpassing even depression.  I am not suggesting that all with anxiety disorders have a spiritual problem, but I am suggesting that many of our worries are the symptom of a spiritual problem.  

There are things in life that we should plan for, and there are some things in life for which we should have a reasonable amount of concern, but there are many things for which we should trust in God.  Notice in verse thirty that Jesus tells us that our Father knows our needs.  Much of our time worrying is not for needs, but desires.

Today, let us trust God for what we need.  Instead of worrying about what we desire, let us celebrate the multitude of blessings we already have!

Posted by Ramón Torres