Do Not Be Anxious

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Scripture: Luke 12:29-34 (NLT)

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.

32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Devotion:

            This scripture explains to us why we are not to be anxious about anything as followers of Christ. Luke tells us that the unbelievers are anxious about all these things. What they will wear, what they will eat. Their lives are consumed by fear and anxiety over all these things.

            Luke explains here that our Father in heaven knows we need these necessities and is more than happy to provide them for us. We can be at ease knowing that our Lord will provide the basic necessities of life. In fact, God will provide us with greater riches than simple necessities. He will give us the kingdom of God as a reward for our trusting in him for our basic needs.

            We indeed will store up treasures for us in heaven where neither robbers may break in and steal, or moths shall consume. We are called upon to sell our worldly possessions and give them to those who are in need of them. In doing so we will lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven. For where our treasure is there will be the treasures of our hearts also.

            Above all we are called not to be afraid. Our enemies can do nothing to harm us. We are protected under God’s wings and we and all we have are safe in God’s keeping. We need fear no evil of man nor devil because God has his watchful care over us. We need not worry about anything because God will provide for us. We should live in perfect peace for our minds are staid on God and he will never fail us. Let us pray a prayer of thanksgiving to our God who provides for us in perfect peace.

Prayer:

            Lord, we thank you for protecting us from all evils and ills of this world. Your provision for us is beyond our imagination. Teach us to relax and not be anxious about anything. Let us depend on you for all we need according to your provision for us. Help us to glorify your name because of your steadfast love for us at all times and in all ways. Let us be at peace with you and the world because you care for your people. May we glorify your name at all times and in all ways. For you have been so good to us. Amen.

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