Luke 12:22–31

Be Still: Father help me as I read your Word. By your Spirit, I want to become more like Jesus today. Amen.

Read: Luke 12:22–31

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (v31) 

Encounter: Our modern society is driven by anxiety. If you’ve ever tried commuting through the London Underground at rush hour, you’ll get the vibe. It’s a rat race out there and in the end, nobody is really winning. Everyone seems fairly stressed at the end of the day too! 

As we saw yesterday, being a part of the Kingdom of God should bring a much-needed sigh of relief to our lives. Jesus and his message changes everything. In today’s passage we have the practical command from Jesus to not worry, but instead take a walk. Consider the ravens and the flowers. Get into nature and remind your soul that God cares for all of this, so certainly he’s got you. Breathe deeply. He loves you. 

Many of the original hearers would have been extremely poor, so worrying about whether they could eat that day, or have enough clothes for their backs, would have been real concerns. These aren’t concerns I’ve had to face. But I still get anxious and worry unnecessarily (and I can testify to the fact that the worry hasn’t added any days to my life!)

Apply: Jesus speaks to the anxiety of ancient and modern listeners, a message of Kingdom values and a loving Heavenly Father. God knows what you need. Take a moment to bring the anxieties of the day to God now. Call to mind what you are committed to doing and allow any worry to surface in God’s presence.......(pause) Allow Jesus by his Spirit, to bring a Kingdom perspective to your anxiety. God knows you and he’s infinitely more generous than you think. 

Devote: Lord help me to go about my day not worrying but seeking your kingdom. I know you’ve got this.