Monday, March 10 Luke 12:22

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.

MOTHERLY WORRY

This verse is one that brings back some intense memories from my youth. I used this verse when arguing with my mother when she declined to let me do something I wanted. At 16, I didn`t think there was anything wrong with camping at the state park with a few of my friends. What could she possibly worry about? A bunch of 16-year-olds on their own for the weekend? Don`t worry, be happy!

I`m not sure that`s the kind of worry that is the subject of Luke 12:22, but there are some similarities. In biblical times, much more time was spent on obtaining the necessities – no grocery store for food or department store for clothes. It`s easy to see how a person living in those days would worry about what they would eat or what they would wear. But Jesus tells us that God will provide for us as he does for the rest of creation.

Your physical, mental and emotional needs are important to God, as well as your spiritual needs. The Lord wants you and me to thrive and flourish in this life, free from worry. God has a plan for all and takes care of his creation, even though we don`t always see the big picture.

I think it is more specifically the anxiety that accompanies worry that gets in our way. To worry about a loved one facing medical issues or relationship problems can drive us to action. Taking meals to that loved one, or offering a shoulder to cry on, can be a concrete expression of our love and concern for others. But if we let our worry become anxiety, that often leads to inaction and withdrawal into our own little world.

We need to have faith that God has our best interests in mind, and that all things will work out in the end toward his purposes. Continue to lead a life of faith, serving God, loving others and being well-balanced in recognizing adversities in life as being less powerful than the power of God`s care for you.

Dear God, please help us to be not afraid of the adversities of life, but to live our lives boldly according to your will. Help us to have faith in the plans you have for us and to act according to your will in all we do.

Laurel Davis

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